The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has refused to provide information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the alleged use of pellet guns during the July 20 student protests in Delhi, Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale said on Monday.
Gokhale had sought details including ammunition logs, issue records and information related to the Rapid Action Force (RAF)’s deployment and alleged use of plastic and metallic pellets during the protests. He argued that the information should be disclosed because the allegations involve a possible human rights violation.
The CRPF, however, rejected the request, citing its exemption from disclosure under Section 24(1) of the RTI Act. In its July 30 response, the force said the allegations mentioned in Gokhale’s application did not fall under the exception relating to human rights violations.
Gokhale subsequently filed an appeal, maintaining that the RTI request concerned allegations of pellets being fired at a peaceful civilian gathering, resulting in serious injuries, including injuries to the eye that could potentially cause permanent loss of vision.
He argued that Section 24 does not prevent disclosure of information relating to alleged human rights violations. He also said the request was not related to intelligence or covert operations but concerned the use of force during a policing operation in Delhi.
The CRPF again rejected the request in its August 21 response, stating that the information sought related to operational and security matters. Gokhale said he would approach the Supreme Court over the matter.
The controversy follows allegations that RAF personnel used pellet guns against students during the July 20 protests over examination irregularities. One student reportedly suffered multiple pellet injuries, including injuries to the eye. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had accompanied the student to a police station and demanded that an FIR be registered.
The Delhi Police and CRPF have not formally commented on all allegations surrounding pellet use, although records cited in the controversy have indicated their use.
The Supreme Court has already constituted a five-member committee to independently examine allegations surrounding the July 20 protests. The panel will look into claims of excessive and disproportionate police force, including the alleged use of pellet guns.
Pellet guns are listed among crowd-control measures in the RAF’s operational manual, alongside measures such as tear gas and other non-lethal deterrents. However, their alleged use against student protesters has drawn criticism from Opposition parties, students and experts.
Gokhale has maintained that the information should be made public because of the alleged human rights implications. The CRPF has not issued any immediate public response to his latest allegations.
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