On July 27, 2026, during the CJP’s Parliament march in New Delhi, personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) opened fire with pellet rounds on protesters, a source confirmed. The deployment occurred as security forces attempted to manage the large gathering and prevent potential unrest.

The RAF, a specialized unit for urban disturbances, routinely employs pellet ammunition for crowd dispersal. In this instance, at least 30 rounds were fired, resulting in multiple injuries, including several eye injuries among the demonstrators.

Human rights organizations have condemned the action, labeling it an excessive use of force against largely peaceful protestors. Meanwhile, local police defended the decision, citing the need to mitigate uncontrolled crowds and possible violence.

Historical Background

Pellet gun usage by law enforcement in India dates back to the late 1990s, but it surged during high‑profile protests such as the 2020 farmers' movement and the 2022 civil rights demonstrations, drawing both national and international criticism.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such forceful tactics not only affect public safety but also erode the space for democratic expression, potentially leading to more volatile confrontations in the future.

"The deployment of pellet rounds should be a last resort; otherwise, it crosses into a human rights violation," says security analyst Dr. Rajiv Singh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has the RAF initiated an investigation into the incident?

A: No official investigation report has been released yet, but human rights groups are demanding an independent probe.

Q2: How many injuries have been reported due to the pellet firing?

A: Preliminary reports indicate around 15 injuries, including serious eye damage.