CRPF Chief Urges Personnel to Work Fearlessly, Assures Full Support Amid Pellet Gun Row

The Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Gyanendra Pratap Singh, has assured personnel of the force's unwavering support while urging them to carry out their duties without fear. His remarks come amid the ongoing discussion over the alleged use of plastic pellet rounds during the recent anti-NEET paper leak protests in Delhi.

Addressing officers and jawans during the CRPF Investiture Ceremony, Singh said personnel should never hesitate while performing their responsibilities if their actions are taken honestly and in accordance with the law. He stressed that the leadership of the force would stand firmly behind those carrying out their duties in good faith.

CRPF Director General GP Singh has spoken amid the row over the use of pellets on July 20. | The Indian Express

"Work Fearlessly, I Will Take Responsibility"

Delivering a strong message to CRPF personnel, DG Singh said that officers deployed in operational as well as law-and-order duties should continue performing their responsibilities with confidence. He assured them that any bona fide action taken during official duty would receive complete institutional support.

"I will take responsibility," Singh told the personnel, reiterating that officers should not be concerned about criticism when acting within the framework of established procedures. His remarks are being seen as an effort to boost the morale of the force, whose personnel are regularly deployed in challenging law-and-order and internal security situations across the country.

Background to the Pellet Gun Row

The Director General's statement comes in the aftermath of the July 20 protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET examination paper leak. What began as a demonstration demanding accountability later turned violent at several locations, resulting in clashes between sections of protesters and security personnel.

According to official reports, a large number of police personnel sustained injuries after being attacked with stones and other objects during the violence. Following the incident, allegations surfaced that personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), the CRPF's specialised anti-riot unit, had used plastic pellet rounds while dispersing the crowd. The allegations sparked public debate and led to an internal review of the operation.

CRPF Review Finds SOPs Were Followed

After reviewing the incident, the CRPF concluded that its personnel had acted in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). According to officials, the use of non-lethal crowd-control measures, including plastic pellet rounds, had been authorised by the Delhi Police as part of the operational plan.

The review further stated that personnel followed the approved force-escalation protocol, using lower-intensity crowd-control methods before resorting to other authorised non-lethal measures as the situation intensified. Officials maintained that the actions taken during the operation were consistent with established operational guidelines.

Rapid Action Force's Role in Crowd Management

The Rapid Action Force is a specialised wing of the CRPF trained to respond to riots, communal disturbances, and other law-and-order situations. Its personnel receive specialised training in crowd management, conflict de-escalation, and the use of non-lethal equipment designed to restore public order while minimising the risk of serious injury.

During large public gatherings and protests, RAF teams are deployed to assist civil authorities in maintaining peace and preventing violence. Their operations are governed by Standard Operating Procedures that emphasise restraint, graded use of force, and adherence to legal protocols.

Leadership Focuses on Morale and Accountability

The CRPF is India's largest Central Armed Police Force and plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, conducting counter-insurgency operations, providing election security, and assisting state police forces during major law-and-order situations.

DG Singh's remarks underscore the importance of leadership in maintaining the confidence of personnel who often work under demanding circumstances. By assuring officers that the force will support decisions taken honestly and in accordance with official procedures, the CRPF leadership has sought to reinforce both operational confidence and accountability.

The MGMM Outlook 

The CRPF leadership's assurance to personnel reflects the importance of maintaining confidence among security forces tasked with handling complex law-and-order situations. Officers deployed in riot control and internal security operations often make rapid decisions under challenging circumstances, making clear institutional backing for lawful and bona fide actions essential for effective policing. At the same time, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and accountability mechanisms remains crucial to ensuring that force is exercised within the legal framework.

The episode also highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding the democratic right to protest and maintaining public order when demonstrations turn violent. The CRPF's emphasis on disciplined, graded, and legally authorised crowd-control measures reinforces the need for professional conduct during such operations. Strengthening public trust requires both transparent reviews of contentious incidents and continued support for personnel who perform their duties responsibly and in accordance with established procedures.

(Sources: News18, Moneycontrol, The Indian Express)