CRPF Chief Backs Troops Amid Pellet Gun Row: “Work Fearlessly, I’ll Take Responsibility”

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has come under intense public and political scrutiny following allegations that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during recent student protests in Delhi. Amid the ongoing controversy, CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh has delivered a strong message to the force, assuring officers and personnel that they should continue performing their duties fearlessly.

Addressing CRPF personnel, the Director General reportedly said, “Do your duty without fear. I will take responsibility.” His statement is being viewed as an effort to boost the morale of officers while an internal inquiry examines the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of pellet guns during crowd-control operations.

Why Has the Pellet Gun Row Become a National Issue?

The controversy stems from protests held in New Delhi against the alleged examination paper leak. During the demonstrations, several protesters claimed they were injured by pellet rounds fired by security personnel.

Initially, Delhi Police denied using pellet guns. However, subsequent reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and internal documents suggested that Rapid Action Force personnel may have deployed anti-riot guns capable of firing pellets during the operation. These allegations sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and student organizations.

The incident has triggered debates over crowd-control methods, accountability, and the use of force during public protests.

CRPF Chief’s Message: Confidence in Personnel

Speaking to the force, DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh emphasized that officers acting in the bona fide discharge of their official duties would receive the support of the CRPF headquarters.

According to officials, the leadership praised the patience and professionalism displayed by personnel while handling challenging law-and-order situations.

The assurance was intended to reinforce confidence among troops who often make split-second operational decisions in difficult circumstances. At the same time, the CRPF clarified that any action found to be unjustified or outside standard operating procedures would be dealt with through established disciplinary mechanisms.

Internal Inquiry into Pellet Gun Use

An internal CRPF inquiry is currently investigating:

Which RAF personnel used pellet guns.
Whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed.
The locations where pellet rounds were fired.
Whether the use of force was proportionate.
If disciplinary action is required.

Officials have stated that identified personnel and commanding officers are being questioned as part of the investigation. The inquiry is expected to determine whether operational decisions complied with existing crowd-control guidelines.

What Do Current Crowd-Control Guidelines Say?

The Rapid Action Force is India’s specialized anti-riot unit and is equipped with several non-lethal crowd-control options, including:

Crowd-Control Equipment	Purpose
Tear gas shells	Disperse crowds
Smoke grenades	Reduce visibility and create distance
Lathis (batons)	Physical crowd management
Anti-riot guns	Controlled projectile deployment
Protective shields	Officer safety
Helmets and body armor	Personal protection

Although anti-riot guns are categorized as less-lethal equipment, their use remains highly regulated because pellet impacts can cause serious injuries if not deployed according to operational guidelines.

Political Reactions Continue

The alleged pellet gun use has become a major political issue.

Opposition leaders questioned whether such force was necessary against student protesters and demanded greater accountability from security agencies. Some injured protesters presented medical reports showing pellet-related injuries, while lawmakers raised the matter in Parliament.

Government agencies, meanwhile, have maintained that the facts will become clear only after the CRPF completes its internal investigation.

Balancing Security and Accountability

Experts note that riot-control operations often require officers to make rapid decisions under pressure.

The challenge for security agencies is maintaining public order while ensuring that force remains proportionate, lawful, and consistent with established protocols.

The CRPF’s dual approach—supporting personnel acting in good faith while investigating allegations of misconduct—reflects an attempt to balance operational confidence with institutional accountability.

What Happens Next?

The inquiry report is expected to clarify:

Whether pellet guns were used appropriately.
Which officers authorized their deployment.
Whether SOP violations occurred.
What disciplinary or procedural actions may follow.

Depending on the findings, the CRPF could introduce revised operational guidelines, additional training, or disciplinary proceedings if required.

Until then, the force has reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining public order while adhering to legal and operational standards.

Conclusion

CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh’s assurance to personnel—“Work fearlessly, I’ll take responsibility”—has emerged as one of the strongest public messages of support from the force’s leadership during the ongoing pellet gun controversy.

While the statement is intended to reassure officers operating in challenging situations, the outcome of the ongoing inquiry will ultimately determine whether the use of force during the Delhi protests complied with established procedures. As investigations continue, both accountability and operational integrity remain central to the national conversation surrounding the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the CRPF in the news?

The CRPF is under scrutiny following allegations that Rapid Action Force personnel used pellet guns during student protests in Delhi.

2. What did CRPF Chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh say?

He assured personnel to perform their duties without fear and said the leadership would stand behind officers acting in the bona fide discharge of their responsibilities.

3. Is an investigation underway?

Yes. The CRPF has launched an internal inquiry to determine whether pellet guns were used appropriately and whether operational guidelines were followed.