Archive · 26 Jul 2026
RAF Criticized for Crowd Control Standards
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was criticized for not following proper standards during a crowd control operation on June 20.
During a review meeting on July 22, Inspector General Seema Dhundhia pointed out several issues, including lack of proper briefing, inadequate safety gear, and improper use of force.
She directed that personnel should be better prepared and equipped for future duties.
The RAF was established in 1992 as a specialized unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to handle riots and public disturbances.
RAF criticized for not following prescribed standards during crowd control on June 20.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia highlighted operational lapses in a review meeting on July 22.
Three persons received pellet gun injuries during the protest.
Dhundhia directed better briefing, equipment, and use of force for future deployments.
RAF personnel from special operations zones should not be immediately deployed in Delhi.
- Who
- Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
- What
- Criticism of crowd control standards during Sansad Chalo march
- When
- June 20 (incident), July 22 (review meeting)
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- To review and correct operational lapses during crowd control
RAF Personnel
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
Use of Force
RAF Personnel
Personnel used force as necessary to control the crowd.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
Force used was not in accordance with prescribed standards and training.
Briefing and Preparation
RAF Personnel
Personnel were adequately prepared and briefed before deployment.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
No proper and timely briefing was conducted before deployment.
Equipment and Safety
RAF Personnel
Personnel were equipped with necessary safety gear.
Inspector General Seema Dhundhia
Some personnel were seen without body protectors and helmets.
- Date of Incident
- June 20
- Date of Review Meeting
- July 22
- Injuries Reported
- Three persons received pellet gun injuries
- RAF Establishment Year
- 1992
- RAF Parent Organization
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Key Concern Raised
- Lack of proper briefing before deployment
- Equipment Restrictions
- PAG, Anti-Riot Gun, Electric Shock Weapon, and Electric Shield not issued