Archive · 25 Jul 2026
RAF Bans Pellet Guns, Shock Weapons After Delhi Protest
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Delhi has banned the use of pellet guns and electric shock weapons after a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The Inspector General, Seema Dhundhia, said the force used too much power and didn't follow the rules.
She told the RAF to use only the force needed and to train better.
The RAF also said they will use body cameras and wear full protective gear.
They found problems like not briefing personnel well and using force in the wrong way.
The goal is to make sure the RAF follows their rules and treats protesters fairly.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) banned pellet guns, anti-riot guns, electric shock weapons, and electric shields in Delhi protests.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia criticized the RAF's handling of the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest, citing operational shortcomings.
The RAF issued 26 corrective measures, including mandatory use of body-worn cameras and proper protective equipment.
Personnel must undergo RAF Conversion Training before crowd-control duties, especially those from counter-insurgency environments like Jammu & Kashmir.
The RAF directed that force must be used in a graded and proportionate manner, adhering to prescribed protocols and training.
- Who
- Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
- What
- Banning of pellet guns, shock weapons, and corrective measures after a protest
- When
- July 20, 2026 (protest), July 22, 2026 (meeting), July 25, 2026 (news report)
- Where
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Why
- To address serious operational deficiencies and ensure sensitive policing
RAF Personnel
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
Use of Force
RAF Personnel
Some personnel allegedly used excessive force during the protest, including actions seen in social media videos.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
The Inspector General directed that force must be used in a graded and proportionate manner, adhering to prescribed protocols and RAF training.
Equipment Usage
RAF Personnel
Some personnel allegedly used Projectile Action Guns (PAG), Anti-Riot Guns (ARG), Electric Shock Weapons, and Electric Shields during the protest.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
The Inspector General ordered a ban on the use and issuance of these weapons until further orders.
Training and Preparation
RAF Personnel
Some personnel were deployed without adequate briefing or training, leading to confusion on the ground.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
The Inspector General stressed the importance of proper familiarization and training in RAF procedures and crowd-management principles before deployment.
- Date of Protest
- July 20, 2026
- Location of Protest
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- RAF Inspector General
- Seema Dhundhia
- Banned Equipment
- Projectile Action Guns (PAG), Anti-Riot Guns (ARG), Electric Shock Weapons, Electric Shields
- Mandatory Equipment
- Body Worn Cameras, Helmets, Body Protectors
- Number of Corrective Measures
- 26
- Number of Officers in Meeting
- 30
- Injured Protester
- 28-year-old with pellet wounds
