RAF Acknowledges Excessive Force in Delhi Protest, Implements New Guidelines

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has acknowledged instances of excessive force utilized by its personnel during a protest that took place on July 20 at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. This revelation comes from an internal review meeting led by Inspector General Seema Dhundia on July 22, where the leadership scrutinized the actions of the force during the event. Observations made during this meeting indicated that certain behaviors displayed by RAF members, which were captured on social media, contradicted the professional standards expected of the force and were deemed unjustifiable under any circumstances. The review highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the RAF, particularly in sensitive situations involving crowd control.

During the internal review, Inspector General Dhundia emphasized that the principle of 'Sensitive Policing' is fundamental to the RAF's approach to managing crowds. She instructed all units to strictly adhere to this principle in future operations. The meeting also involved a thorough examination of videos that surfaced online, showing RAF personnel engaging in forceful actions even after individuals had distanced themselves from the protest. Specific instances noted included personnel pushing individuals to the ground and striking those who were outside police barricades, actions that were clearly inconsistent with the RAF's operational doctrine and public image. The Inspector General firmly stated that such behavior cannot be justified, reiterating the need for restraint and fairness in all operations.

In response to the findings from the review, the RAF has introduced several measures aimed at enhancing accountability and operational oversight. Officers and personnel are now prohibited from sharing any official information or communications with unauthorized individuals or the media, with strict disciplinary actions promised for any breaches. To further promote transparency, the use of Body Worn Cameras has been mandated for all operations, ensuring that incidents are documented comprehensively. Additionally, dedicated photographers and videographers will be assigned to capture significant events, including crowd dynamics and the force's responses, with all recordings preserved for future reference. The headquarters has also called for improved intelligence monitoring, timely reporting from deployed units, and regular inspections by senior officials. Furthermore, attention has been directed towards the welfare of personnel, ensuring they have adequate accommodations and resources, particularly during sensitive deployments, while minimizing unnecessary movements outside camps. These steps are part of a broader effort to uphold the RAF's commitment to disciplined crowd management and to prevent the recurrence of excessive force in future operations.