CRPF DG tells personnel to act ‘without fear’ amid Delhi protest pellet gun row

As the row over alleged use of pellet guns on agitators during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) led protest in Delhi continues, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Gyanedra Pratap Singh, asked the personnel to carry out their duties “without fear.” Singh recently made the remarks at the Central forces’ investiture ceremony.

The development comes at a time when the Rapid Action Force (RAF), the riot control unit of the CRPF, has been accused of using pellet guns during the protest by a section of agitators and Opposition parties. The RAF, along with the Delhi Police, has been accused of using excessive force during the protest.

CRPF DG backs personnel

"As the Director General of the CRPF, I want to assure each one of you that whether it is an operational battalion or a law-and-order unit, whatever decisions you take and whatever actions you carry out in the bona fide discharge of your duties, I take responsibility for all those decisions and actions," Singh said.

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"Continue to perform your duties fearlessly. Wherever responsibility or accountability needs to be taken, I will take it as the Director General," he added as quoted by NDTV.

The remarks come days after Singh said that the CRPF would conduct "professional post-event assessment" into the RAF’s personnel’s action against protesters, which is the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the force.

The alleged use of pellet guns and the circumstances that led to it would also be looked into during the assessment. “It will trace the sequence of events and whether the use of the pellet guns was in accordance with established protocols,” Singh had told ANI.

Internal review underway

According to an India Today report, quoting officials, a communication was circulated by the CRPF headquarters lauding the "endurance and patience" displayed by the personnel during recent difficult deployment, adding that the force, in bona fide discharge of duty, would continue to receive institutional support.

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However, the CRPF made it clear that any reckless and unjustified actions would be dealt with disciplinary proceedings as per CRPF rules and the law.

The CRPF has initiated an internal assessment through the Rapid Action Force (RAF) over allegations that its personnel used excessive force during the Delhi protests.

The review is examining videos circulating on social media, media reports and statements recorded from jawans, company commanders and senior officers.

Scrutiny widens

It is also looking into allegations relating to the use of pellet guns and shock batons. Officials said a formal Court of Inquiry would be ordered if violations of standard operating procedures were established.

Delhi Police has denied allegations that pellets were fired at "peaceful protesters", even as questions continue over reported pellet injuries.

The controversy has also reached Parliament and the Supreme Court. A public interest litigation has sought compensation for those allegedly injured during the July 20 protest and a ban on the use of metallic pellets for crowd-control operations.