India, July 25 -- Delhi Police on Thursday denied any involvement in the alleged use of pellet guns during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest over the alleged NEET paper leak, stating that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at the site operates under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), not the Delhi Police. Responding to allegations that a 19-year-old protester was injured by a pellet gun during the July 20 demonstration near Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police said it was not the appropriate authority to answer questions on the matter. "RAF is under the CRPF and not Delhi Police. Delhi Police does not have pellet guns," a police spokesperson said. Also Read - Six-yr-old boy drowns in pit; Gr Noida Authority sacks 2 officials The clarification came after reports that a 19-year-old protester was treated at Safdarjung Hospital for suspected pellet injuries. According to the hospital's case sheet dated July 20, the patient sustained injuries to the right elbow and back, with pellets embedded in the skin. Media reports, citing sources, also claimed that several protesters were injured in the alleged use of pellet guns during the demonstration, prompting demands for an independent inquiry. The CRPF, which oversees the RAF, has not commented on the allegations. Pellet guns are standard riot-control equipment with the RAF and have previously been used by the CRPF during law-and-order operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Under standard operating procedures, they are to be fired from a distance and aimed below the waist to minimise the risk of serious injury. Also Read - Hawker dies after assault near AIIMS Metro station The allegations triggered sharp political reactions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address on Thursday, announced that the Centre would introduce a Bill in Parliament next week to strengthen action against paper leaks. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the Prime Minister apologise to students and take action against those responsible for the alleged use of force. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, after visiting injured protesters, alleged that security forces had used excessive force against unarmed students. He claimed that one protester had suffered an eye injury after being hit by a pellet and called the incident a grave betrayal of public trust.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.