Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh told personnel to work fearlessly and said he would assume responsibility for their decisions.
The statement follows a public outcry and political scrutiny regarding the use of plastic pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a protest in Delhi. The chief's message aims to maintain troop morale as the force faces criticism over the tactics used to manage civil unrest.
Speaking at a CRPF investiture ceremony, Singh addressed the controversy surrounding the July 20, 2026 [1] demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. During that event, the use of pellet guns resulted in injuries to more than 65 protesters [2]. The clash was severe, with reports indicating that over 200 police personnel were also injured [2].
Singh emphasized his support for the troops in the face of these events. "Work fearlessly, I will take responsibility and accountability for any decision you take," Singh said [3]. He further said, "I will take responsibility for the actions of my men" [4].
The Director General's comments serve as a direct response to the tension between maintaining public order and the resulting injuries to civilians. By absorbing the accountability, the leadership seeks to ensure that personnel do not hesitate during high-pressure deployments, a move that comes as the agency navigates the aftermath of the Jantar Mantar incident.
The incident at Jantar Mantar remains a focal point of debate regarding the proportionality of force used by the RAF. The use of pellet guns has historically been a point of contention in India, often leading to long-term injuries for those targeted.
“"Work fearlessly, I will take responsibility and accountability for any decision you take."”
This directive reflects a leadership strategy to shield operational personnel from legal or professional repercussions during volatile protests. By centralizing accountability, the CRPF chief is prioritizing the confidence of the force over the current public and political pressure regarding the use of non-lethal but injurious weaponry.
