Pellet Guns and Shock Batons Used Against CJP Protesters in Delhi; Police Deny
On July 20, 2026, during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) march to Parliament in Delhi, security forces used pellet guns and shock batons against protesters, marking the first known deployment of such weapons on civilians in the capital. At least 80 were injured, including Sahil Lochab (19) who may lose vision in his right eye, and Shaikh Irshad Mansoori. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed. Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, calling reports false, while the CRPF is verifying claims. The Delhi High Court has sought responses on petitions alleging excessive force.
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Delhi Police Authorised Pellet Gun Use Against Protestors on July 20: RAF General Diary Entry
The Hindu reports that a general diary entry filed at Parliament Street police station reveals the Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired two rounds from an anti-riot gun using plastic pellets on July 20 during a protest march to Parliament, on the orders of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). This was the first use of pellet guns against unarmed protestors in Delhi. Following the incident and a subsequent report on pellet injuries, the RAF withdrew pump action guns, electric shields, anti-riot guns, and shock batons from personnel at Jantar Mantar. An RAF Inspector General review highlighted 'serious deficiencies' in the operation, violating the principle of 'sensitive policing'. At least four people were hit, with one 19-year-old at risk of losing vision in his right eye.
Are pellet guns legal for crowd control in India? | Explained
During a July 20, 2026 march to Parliament by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), at least one of 80 injured protesters sustained pellet gun injuries, according to a hospital source. Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, calling claims 'false and misleading,' but allegations targeted the Rapid Action Force (RAF), a CRPF unit. The incident revives debate on the legal framework for non-lethal weapons in crowd control. Pellet guns were widely criticized during the 2024 farmers' protests and used in Manipur (2023) and Kashmir (since 2010). The article examines the legality and controversy surrounding such weapons in India.
Pellet Guns and Shock Batons Used Against Protesters in Delhi; Police Deny
On July 20, 2026, during a march to Parliament organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns and shock batons against protesters, resulting in at least 80 injuries. Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, 25, sustained pellet gun injuries, marking the first known use of such weapons on civilians in Delhi. A video also showed a woman being stunned by a shock baton. Delhi Police denied the use of pellet guns, calling reports 'false and misleading' and urging the public to verify facts from official sources. The RAF, an anti-riot unit under the CRPF, was deployed alongside Delhi Police. Pellet guns were previously used during the 2024 farmers' protest and in Manipur in 2023, causing severe injuries including blindness.
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Petition in Supreme Court seeks ban on pellet guns
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India by retired Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad and two victims of pellet gun injuries, demanding a ban on the use of metallic pellets fired from pump-action rifles for crowd dispersal. The petition also seeks exemplary compensation and full medical care for all victims injured by state action during a protest on July 20 in Connaught Place, New Delhi. According to the petition, around 4:30 p.m. on that day, RAF personnel fired pump-action guns at fleeing protesters who had their arms raised in surrender, causing pellet injuries to the two petitioners. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of pellet guns in civilian crowd control and the need for accountability and rehabilitation for victims.
CRPF Verifying Reports of Pellet Gun Use Against Protesters in Delhi
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is verifying media reports that its Rapid Action Force (RAF) unit used pellet guns against unarmed protesters during a July 20 march to Parliament in New Delhi. The Hindu reported the first known instance of pellet guns being used on civilians in the capital. Two individuals, including 19-year-old Sahil Lochab who risks losing vision in his right eye, are hospitalized. Delhi Police had previously denied using pellet guns. The Ministry of Home Affairs has not commented. The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on petitions alleging excessive force. Pellet guns were previously used during the 2024 farmers' protests, 2023 Manipur unrest, and 2016 Jammu & Kashmir unrest, causing severe injuries.
Disability Rights Groups Demand Ban on Pellet Guns and Electric Shock Batons After July 20 Protest
Disability rights organizations, including the Progressive Medicos and Scientific Forum (PMSF) and groups under the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), have condemned the use of pellet guns and electric shock weapons against protesters during the 'Chalo Sansad' march in New Delhi on July 20, 2026. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was over examination paper leaks. The groups demand an immediate ban on these weapons by all police and paramilitary forces, citing their potential to cause permanent disabilities such as blindness, neurological damage, and cardiac complications. They also seek an independent judicial inquiry into the incident, prosecution of responsible personnel, and free medical treatment and compensation for injured protesters. Specific cases include 25-year-old Sheikh Irshad Mansoori with multiple pellet injuries and 19-year-old Sahil Lochab at risk of losing vision. The PMSF confirmed at least three cases of firearm use by security forces.
CRPF Verifying Reports of Pellet Gun Use Against Protesters in Delhi
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is verifying media reports that its Rapid Action Force (RAF) unit used pellet guns against unarmed protesters during a July 20 march to Parliament in New Delhi. The Hindu reported the first known instance of pellet guns being used on civilians in the capital. Two individuals were hit by pellets; 19-year-old Sahil Lochab risks losing vision in his right eye. Delhi Police had previously denied using pellet guns. The Ministry of Home Affairs has not commented. The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on petitions alleging excessive force. Pellet guns were previously used during the 2024 farmers' protest and the 2023 Manipur unrest, causing severe injuries.
Pellet Guns and Shock Batons Used Against Protesters in Delhi; Police Deny
During a July 20, 2026 protest march to Parliament called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), at least 80 protesters were injured in police action. Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, 25, sustained pellet gun injuries, marking the first known use of pellet guns on civilians in Delhi. A video also emerged showing a woman being stunned by a shock baton, another first for the capital. The Rapid Action Force (RAF), an anti-riot unit, was deployed alongside Delhi Police. While the CRPF declined to comment, Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner denied the use of pellet guns, calling reports 'false and misleading' and urging the public to verify facts from official sources. Pellet guns were previously used during the 2024 farmers' protest and in Manipur in 2023, causing severe injuries including blindness in past Kashmir unrest.
19-year-old protester may lose vision in right eye after pellet injury during Delhi protest
Sahil Lochab, a 19-year-old student and protester, may lose vision in his right eye after being hit by a pellet gun during a July 20 march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to Parliament in Delhi. He underwent surgery at AIIMS Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre to remove pellets. Doctors told his family there is only a 1% chance of vision returning due to pupil damage. His mother said he aspires to join the police and was studying for competitive exams. Delhi Police initially denied using pellet guns, but a hospital source confirmed the injuries were caused by metal pellets. The Rapid Action Force (RAF), equipped with pellet guns and shock-batons, was deployed alongside Delhi Police. Another protester, Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, also underwent surgery for a pellet injury. A third injured protester, Sakshi, was removed from ventilator support and is recovering.
Why are pellet guns used as a ‘non-lethal’ crowd-control measure? | Explained
The article explains the use of pellet guns as a non-lethal crowd-control measure, focusing on their deployment during a July 20, 2026 protest in Delhi by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). At least one protester, Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, sustained pellet gun injuries requiring surgery, and a video showed a woman being stunned by a shock baton. Delhi Police denied using these weapons, but they are standard gear for the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at the protest. The article details the characteristics of pellet guns, their potential lethality at close range, and their first known usage in Jammu and Kashmir after the 2010 unrest. It highlights the controversy over their use against civilians, with allegations of injuries despite official denials.
Pellet Guns and Shock Batons Used Against CJP Protesters in Delhi; Police Deny
On July 20, 2026, during a march to Parliament organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), security forces in Delhi used pellet guns and shock batons against protesters, marking the first known instances of such weapons being deployed against civilians in the capital. At least one protester, Shaikh Irshad Mansoori, sustained pellet gun injuries and is being treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College. A video also emerged showing a woman being stunned by a shock baton. The Rapid Action Force (RAF), an anti-riot unit, was deployed alongside Delhi Police. While the CRPF did not comment, Delhi Police denied the use of pellet guns, calling reports 'false and misleading' and urging the public to verify facts from official sources. The article notes that pellet guns were previously used during the 2024 farmers' protests, in Manipur in 2023, and in Jammu & Kashmir during the 2016 unrest, causing severe injuries including blindness.