CRPF to Review RAF Actions During NEET Paper Leak Protests; 47 Personnel Injured
New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will conduct a professional post-analysis of the actions taken by its Rapid Action Force (RAF) unit during the anti-NEET paper leak protests, including the march to Parliament on July 20. This was stated by CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh on Saturday, marking the first official response to allegations that pellet guns were used against protesters.
“Now, since agitation has been called off, and once assembled people disperse, we would make a professional post-event assessment, like we do after every major assignment, and then let you know of the view of force headquarters,” Singh said.
The review will examine all aspects of the RAF deployment, including the use of riot control gear, whether the response was graded and followed standard operating procedures, and whether the ground situation justified the actions taken. The CRPF will also investigate provocation and aggression faced by personnel, allegedly from external elements who may have infiltrated the protests.
At least 47 RAF personnel sustained injuries during the protests, with six suffering head injuries and four sustaining fractures. Sources claim personnel were hit with iron rods, likely taken from damaged railings. The CRPF will record accounts of how these injuries occurred.
Three individuals have alleged they suffered pellet injuries from police action. Delhi Police clarified that pump action guns (PAGs), commonly known as pellet guns, are part of RAF’s standard anti-riot equipment. According to standard RAF drill, pellet guns are classified as a 'non-lethal' measure and are to be used only as a second last resort, with police firing being the last. The prescribed escalation begins with engagement, warnings via public address system, and if necessary, water cannons or tear gas. Pellet guns may be used next, optionally fitted with muzzle deflectors to target lower body parts to minimize harm.
The CRPF’s post-event analysis will probe whether pellet guns were used, and if so, whether such action was authorised, justified, and part of a graded response. The findings will be shared once the assessment is complete.
