RAF fired pellet gun at protesters on the directions of a Delhi Police officer, document shows
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Evidence has surfaced confirming that police ordered the use of pellet guns against protesters during a July 20 march in Delhi. Despite earlier denials by Delhi Police, documents reveal multiple injuries, including a potential loss of eyesight among participants.
The July 20 Delhi Protest: A Confrontation with Force
The recent events surrounding the 'Sansad Chalo' march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20 have sparked a significant debate regarding the use of force by law enforcement in the national capital. While initial reports from the Delhi Police categorically denied the use of pellet guns, subsequent documentation—specifically a general diary entry from the Parliament Street police station—indicates that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) utilized anti-riot guns under the direct orders of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank officer.
The Human Cost of Crowd Control
The physical toll of this incident is stark. Among the injured is 25-year-old artist Prashant, who remains under medical observation at Lok Nayak Hospital. His account of feeling pellets lodged deep within his tissue highlights the traumatic reality of these munitions. Medical records from Lady Hardinge Hospital confirm that injuries sustained by participants included trauma to the chest, right upper limbs, and the inguinal region. Furthermore, the severity of these injuries is underscored by the case of a 19-year-old student who faces the harrowing possibility of losing vision in his right eye, a testament to the indiscriminate nature of such weaponry.
Discrepancies in Official Accounts
A central point of contention in this narrative is the discrepancy between official statements and documented evidence. The Delhi Police's initial denial of pellet gun usage stands in direct opposition to the RAF's general diary entry, which logged the firing of 55 rounds of non-electrical shells, 15 rounds of electrical shells, and two rounds of anti-riot gun fire. This contradiction raises critical questions regarding accountability and transparency within the chain of command during public order operations.
Understanding the Weaponry
Anti-Riot Guns (ARG) and pellet guns are often categorized together in the context of non-lethal crowd control, yet their impact is frequently devastating. As Dr. Himani Ahluwalia, Director of Lady Hardinge Hospital, noted, these projectiles—which can be composed of lead, steel, or plastic—present complex surgical challenges. While superficial pellets may be extracted with forceps, those embedded in sensitive tissue or near vital organs pose long-term health risks, complicating the recovery process for victims.
Broader Implications for Civil Liberties
The use of pellet guns in Delhi, a metropolitan hub, marks a rare and concerning escalation in the methods utilized to disperse unarmed protesters. Historically, such tactics have been scrutinized for their potential to cause permanent disability rather than mere crowd dispersal. The fact that this occurred during a 'Sansad Chalo' (March to Parliament) protest emphasizes the tension between the right to peaceful assembly and the state's mandate to maintain public order.
A Call for Accountability
As the RAF initiates an inquiry into the actions of its personnel, the public and civil rights advocates are calling for a more comprehensive investigation into the orders issued by the DCP-rank officer. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for strict protocols governing the use of force. Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on whether the authorities will accept responsibility for the injuries sustained and whether policy reforms will be implemented to prevent the future deployment of such hazardous munitions against civilians.
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