Archive · 27 Jul 2026
RAF Used Pellet Guns on Protesters During CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' March
On 20 July, during the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Chalo Sansad' protest march in New Delhi's Connaught Place, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns.
They fired seven rounds, with five hitting protesters and two hitting the ground.
Three protesters, including two individuals and a journalist, were injured.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) found that the use of pellet guns was in response to protesters attacking security personnel and throwing stones.
An internal review later identified serious operational lapses and non-compliance with prescribed standards.
The CRPF and RAF are taking corrective measures to improve future deployments.
The protest was part of the CJP's demonstrations demanding the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and addressing alleged irregularities in the education system and the NEET-UG paper leak.
RAF personnel fired seven pellet rounds during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest march on 20 July in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Five rounds hit protesters, injuring at least three individuals, including two protesters and a journalist.
The use of pellet guns was in response to protesters attacking security personnel and throwing stones.
An internal review flagged serious operational lapses and non-compliance with prescribed standards.
The CRPF and RAF are taking corrective measures to improve future deployments and ensure compliance with standards.
- Who
- Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, protesters, CRPF, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- What
- Use of pellet guns by RAF personnel during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest march
- When
- 20 July
- Where
- Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Why
- In response to protesters attacking security personnel and throwing stones
Protesters and Supporters
Security Forces and Authorities
Use of Pellet Guns
Protesters and Supporters
The use of pellet guns by RAF personnel is seen as excessive and harmful, causing injuries to protesters and raising concerns about crowd control methods.
Security Forces and Authorities
RAF personnel used pellet guns in response to protesters attacking security personnel and throwing stones, arguing it was necessary for crowd control.
Operational Lapses
Protesters and Supporters
The internal review flagged serious operational lapses, stating that the 'force gradient' used did not comply with prescribed standards or training protocols.
Security Forces and Authorities
The CRPF and RAF are taking corrective measures and conducting post-event assessments to improve future deployments and ensure compliance with standards.
- Date of Protest
- 20 July
- Location
- Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Number of Pellet Rounds Fired
- 7
- Protesters Hit by Pellets
- 5
- Ground Hits
- 2
- Injured Protesters
- 3 (Irshad Sheikh, Sahil Lochab, and a journalist)
- Injured RAF Personnel
- More than 47
- Internal Review Findings
- Serious operational lapses and non-compliance with prescribed standards