Delhi Protests Spark Major Policy Shift: RAF Bans Pellet Guns, Electric Shock Weapons Amidst Lapses

In a significant move underscoring mounting concerns over public safety and protest management, India's elite Rapid Action Force (RAF) has dramatically overhauled its crowd control protocols. Following an internal review that unearthed "serious shortcomings" in its handling of recent student demonstrations in Delhi, the RAF has now outright banned the use of pellet guns, riot guns, electric shock devices, and even electric shields until further notice. It's a directive that comes directly from the RAF Chief, who reportedly expressed "serious dissatisfaction" with how things unfolded.

The catalyst for this drastic policy shift was a series of student protests on July 20, 2026, primarily centered around Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Led by a satirical platform known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), these demonstrations were fueled by allegations of a paper leak in the NEET examination, with many students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The peaceful protest, however, escalated into a 'Chalo Sansad' (March to Parliament) rally, which unfortunately met with a disproportionate response.

Reports quickly emerged of RAF personnel allegedly employing excessive force against unarmed students. Imagine the scene: hundreds reportedly sustained serious, even grievous, injuries. The primary culprit? Pellet guns, seemingly fired from close range in numerous instances. This heavy-handed approach sparked widespread outrage and prompted the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the RAF's parent organization, to order a swift inquiry. That verification exercise, launched on July 24, revealed the undeniable truth: things had gone seriously wrong.

Just a day later, on July 25, the sweeping ban was officially issued. This isn't just a temporary pause; it signals a fundamental rethink of how the force operates. Going forward, the RAF is expected to align all its law-and-order actions with NATO protocol – a significant international standard. Experts have long pointed out that the use of pellet guns, particularly in civilian crowd control, is a contentious issue, often deemed prohibited under various international conventions. This move, therefore, brings India's specialized force closer to global best practices in managing civil unrest.

Interestingly, amidst the controversy, Delhi Police had initially denied possessing or deploying pellet guns for crowd control, labeling such reports as misleading. Yet, officials confirmed that the RAF, as a standard part of its riot-control arsenal, does carry 12-bore pump-action guns – essentially, pellet guns. As Delhi braces for potential further unrest, particularly with an ongoing Parliament session and intelligence suggesting farmers' groups might join student agitations, an additional 16 companies of CRPF and RAF personnel are being airlifted to the capital, with Hindon Air Base being a key arrival point. It’s a clear indication that while the methods are changing, the need for robust, yet restrained, crowd management remains paramount.