Continue fearlessly: CRPF chief backs bona fide action taken in line of duty

CRPF chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh told personnel he would own bona fide decisions taken on duty. His assurance came as the Delhi protest action faces internal scrutiny.

In Short

• CRPF chief urges personnel to perform duties without hesitation fearlessly
• Force launches probe into alleged excessive force during student protests
• Supreme Court petition challenges alleged pellet gun use for crowd control

As the controversy over the alleged use of excessive force by security personnel during the recent anti-NEET paper leak protests in Delhi and other parts of the country intensifies, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh has assured jawans and officers that he will stand by every bona fide decision taken in the discharge of their duties and take responsibility wherever accountability arises.

Addressing personnel at the CRPF investiture ceremony on July 27, Singh said, "Whatever decisions and actions you take in the bona fide discharge of your duties, I take responsibility for them".

He also told the force, "Continue to perform your duties fearlessly; do not hesitate while carrying out your responsibilities".

Stressing institutional backing for field personnel, he added, "Wherever responsibility or accountability needs to be taken, I will take it as the Director General of the CRPF".

POLICE ACTION ON PROTESTERS UNDER LENS

The remarks came amid mounting criticism over the police and RAF action during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.

Protesters, who were demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak and a transparent examination system, clashed with security personnel while attempting to march towards Parliament.

Tear gas, lathi charges and pellet rounds were allegedly used to disperse the crowd, and several students reported injuries.

CRPF PRAISED PATIENCE OF PERSONNEL

Officials said the CRPF headquarters has circulated a communication to field formations praising the "endurance and patience" shown by personnel during recent difficult deployments and reiterating that decisions taken in the interest of the nation, the force and in bona fide discharge of duty would receive institutional support.

At the same time, the force made it clear that reckless or unjustified actions would invite disciplinary proceedings under CRPF rules and the law.

PROBE INTO 'EXCESSIVE FORCE' USE

The CRPF has initiated a probe through the Rapid Action Force (RAF) into allegations that personnel used disproportionate force during the Delhi protests.

The inquiry is examining social media videos, press reports and statements of jawans, company commanders and senior officers, including allegations relating to the use of pellet guns and shock batons.

Officials said a formal Court of Inquiry would be ordered if violations of standard operating procedures were established.

PELLET GUNS USED?

An official record of the July 20 deployment states that RAF personnel fired multiple non-lethal munitions, including two rounds of plastic pellets, in the Jantar Mantar area while acting under the directions of a Delhi Police officer.

Delhi Police has denied allegations that pellets were fired at "peaceful protesters", while questions continue over reported pellet injuries.

The issue has also reached Parliament and the Supreme Court. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the police action, triggering sharp protests from the Treasury benches and demands for evidence.

Separately, a public interest litigation has sought a ban on the use of metallic pellets for crowd control and compensation for those allegedly injured during the July 20 protest.

With the month-long agitation having ended after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister, the focus has now shifted to the legality and proportionality of the police response.

Singh’s assurance is being seen as a significant morale-boosting message to CRPF personnel even as investigations, political confrontation and judicial scrutiny over the alleged police brutality continue.

- Ends