CRPF Probe Finds RAF Personnel Fired Seven Pellet Rounds at CJP March

An internal inquiry by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has confirmed that a member of its Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired at least seven rounds from a pellet gun during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Parliament march on July 20, according to sources within the force.

The findings, which emerged from the examination of operational log entries, contradict early denials by law enforcement regarding the use of pellet munitions during the demonstration in Connaught Place.

Detail of Findings

According to log entries reviewed in the inquiry, a single RAF personnel fired all seven rounds:

• Five rounds struck protesters.
• Two rounds hit the ground.

Sources stated the rounds were discharged after protesters allegedly pelted stones and clashed with security forces near Connaught Place during the march.

Documented Casualties

At least three individuals have been treated in Delhi hospitals for pellet injuries sustained during the clash on July 20:

1. Sahil Lochab (19): A Delhi University student and Delhi Police exam aspirant who underwent surgery at the AIIMS Trauma Centre for severe ocular and facial injuries.
2. Irshad Sheikh (25): An MBA graduate from Gurgaon treated at Lady Hardinge Hospital.
3. Journalist (28): An Outlook magazine reporter with approximately 30 pellets embedded in his arm, chest, and back.

Policy Fallout and Responses

When contacted, CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh stated that a post-event professional assessment would be conducted now that the agitation has ended and crowds have dispersed.

Following the incident, RAF Inspector General Seema Dhundhia held a video conference warning company commanders that the force gradient used did not match training standards. Consequently, the RAF has instituted a temporary ban on using pump-action guns, anti-riot guns, and electric shields for crowd control in Delhi.

What we can verify

• An internal CRPF review of RAF log entries confirmed seven pellet rounds were fired by a single personnel during the July 20 CJP march. — The Indian Express
• The fire logs state that five rounds hit demonstrators and two hit the ground. — The Indian Express
• Directives following the incident have halted the use of pellet guns and electric shields by RAF personnel deployed in Delhi. — Mathrubhumi

What remains unverified

• The specific identity of the RAF personnel who fired the pellet rounds remains [unverified] pending formal release of the inquiry report.
• The exact sequence of provocation leading to the firing remains contested between protester groups and security command structures.