RAF begins probe into claims of pellet gun use, excessive force on NEET paper leak protests in Delhi

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has launched a preliminary verification into allegations that its personnel used excessive force, including the alleged use of pellet guns, during the ongoing NEET paper leak protests in Delhi, officials said on Friday.

According to officials, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has directed the Inspector General of the RAF, its specialised anti-riot unit, to verify the sequence of events during the protests, including the actions taken by RAF teams to control demonstrators and incidents in which personnel were allegedly attacked.

CRPF officials clarified that a formal Court of Inquiry (CoI) has not yet been ordered. They said such a probe would be initiated only after the preliminary verification establishes the facts surrounding the incidents.

The controversy stems from the 'Chalo Sansad' march organised on July 20 by students protesting under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protesters marched from Jantar



Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET question paper leak.

Officials said the RAF has taken note of multiple videos and photographs circulating on social media that show personnel in blue uniforms carrying guns, using batons and carrying out a lathi-charge. The force is also examining footage that appears to show RAF personnel being surrounded and assaulted by protesters.

"All legal procedures prescribed to examine the conduct of personnel during such operational duties will be followed," a senior CRPF officer said.

Officials confirmed that the RAF's riot-control equipment includes 12-bore pump-action pellet guns. Under the standard operating procedure (SOP), these weapons may be used only in extreme situations where personnel face a serious threat to their lives. The SOP also requires that the guns be fired using a deflector so that the pellets cause limited injuries and are aimed only below the waist.