• Source:JND

CJP Protest: The Rapid Action Force (RAF) on Friday launched an inquiry into the allegations that its personnel, deployed at the Jantar Mantar protest site, fired pellet guns at the protesters during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on Monday. At least two victims have come forward alleging pellet gun injuries during the protest and were treated at local hospitals for the same.

According to PTI, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has directed the RAF Inspector General to verify the sequence of events its personnel undertook to control the protesters. The officials said the RAF has taken cognisance of multiple social media videos and photos featuring its personnel in blue dungarees. They include footage showing them deploying guns and sticks and undertaking a lathi-charge.

"All legal procedures stipulated to check the conduct of the personnel during such operational duties will be followed," an officer said. However, a formal Court of Inquiry (CoI) has not been initiated, with officials saying that such a probe will be ordered once this verification exercise reveals the facts.

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Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has denied the claims of pellet gun usage, saying that they did not possess such weapons.

Rahul Gandhi Shows Victim's Pellet Injuries

With the victim by his side, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Friday displayed the wounds of a student protester, identified as Sahil, who was allegedly shot with a pellet gun by security personnel during the July 20 protests at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas. Lifting the victim's T-shirt to show his injuries to the media, Gandhi said Sahil's eye was damaged, and he is unable to see from that eye.

"You are saying that protesters have been hit by pellet guns. I want to explain when were pellet guns fired. My brother was struck by a pellet gun when he was peacefully protesting with a tricolour in hand," Gandhi said with the injured protester.

"This is the future of our country. This has happened to thousands of youth, they have been shot at with pellet guns and have been beaten up in lathi-charge. What are they doing? They are doing peaceful protests," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said.

Gandhi further said Sahil had given an exam for recruitment in the police force, but the question paper was leaked. "His (Sahil's) mother and father, from their hard-earned money had got him this opportunity. The government must stop lying. The government has attacked our future."

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SOPs To Use Pellet Guns

According to the Standard Operating Procedure, pellet guns can be used when jawans face extremely challenging situations, including a grave danger to their life. These guns should essentially be used with a deflector so that the metal or rubber pellet inflicts fewer injuries and only on the lower half of the body


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