Supreme Court questions ban on pellet guns, directs preservation of RAF logs
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at Jantar Mantar, amid allegations that pellet guns were used on NEET protesters. A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana also directed the Delhi government to provide adequate treatment to injured protesters.
The court was hearing a petition filed by former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns against protesters. The bench questioned the petitioner, observing that if police are permitted to use bullets in extreme violent situations when lathicharge and tear gas fail, then how can they be barred from using pellet guns in protests that turn violent after being hijacked by miscreants.
The court also directed that all injured persons during protests should be given proper treatment. The Centre was asked to preserve the ammunition log of the RAF for the day of the incident.
Meanwhile, a CRPF post-event analysis stated that all standard operating procedures and anti-riot drills were followed during the July 20 police action against anti-NEET leak protesters. The analysis said that the use of pump action guns, which fire metal pellets, was authorised as a 'non-lethal' means and was used only after lower-grade measures like public announcements, tear gas, and lathicharge failed to control the mob.
According to CRPF sources, between three to five protesters were injured by the metal pellets, while 47 RAF personnel were injured, with six sustaining head injuries.
CRPF Director General G.P. Singh, addressing personnel at an investiture ceremony, assured his troops that he would take responsibility for all decisions and actions taken in the bona fide discharge of their duties. He said, 'As DG of CRPF, I want to assure each one of you that whatever decisions you carry out in the bona fide discharge of your duties and which are aligned with interests of the public, the force and the nation, I shall take responsibility for all those decisions and actions.'
