Continue fearlessly: CRPF chief backs bona fide action taken in line of duty
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
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. Read Full Story 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.
The BriefWire