Delhi Police’s Use of Pellet Guns Against Protesters Raises Concerns

The deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Delhi to disperse protesters has drawn significant attention following reports that they used pellet guns on the orders of a Delhi Police officer. According to a report by ‘The Hindu’, this incident occurred during a demonstration on July 20, where protesters rallied against alleged irregularities in public examinations.

Documents obtained by the newspaper revealed that the RAF, responding to directions from a deputy commissioner of police, discharged a total of 55 rounds of non-electrical shells, 15 rounds of electrical shells, and used tear gas and ballistic cartridges with plastic pellets in an effort to control the crowd. The general diary entry logged at approximately 1:24 AM confirmed that these measures were taken under the explicit orders of a senior police official.

This incident marks a troubling first for Delhi, as it is reportedly the first time pellet guns have been used against unarmed demonstrators in the capital. Eyewitness accounts indicate that at least four individuals sustained injuries from the pellets, raising serious questions about the crowd control tactics employed by law enforcement.

The protests originated on June 6 when members of the Cockroach Janta Party initiated a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, calling for the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged misconduct in the administration of competitive exams. The political pressure intensified, leading to Pradhan’s resignation just days before the violent events unfolded.

The incident has sparked a nationwide debate on the appropriateness of using such forceful measures against civilians. Critics argue that the use of pellet guns, often associated with riot control in Kashmir, should not be applied in urban settings against peaceful protesters. The unfolding situation calls for a reflection on the policies governing crowd control and the safeguards necessary to protect the rights of citizens to express dissent.

Source: scroll.in