CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh told personnel to work fearlessly and said he would take responsibility for bona-fide actions in the line of duty.

The statement comes as the force faces scrutiny over the alleged use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force during a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20, 2024 [1]. The move aims to boost troop morale amid opposition accusations that the Home Minister directed the use of excessive force.

Singh said that the force followed all standard operating procedures and prescribed protocols during the actions taken on July 20 [1]. He said he supports officers who act within their legal mandates while the organization conducts an internal inquiry into the events.

"Work fearlessly, I will take responsibility," Singh said.

The controversy centers on the Rapid Action Force's tactics during the Delhi demonstration. While the internal probe continues, the Director General maintains that the personnel acted according to established guidelines. He said he would take full responsibility for all bona-fide actions taken in the line of duty.

The internal inquiry is tasked with determining if the use of pellet guns deviated from the force's protocols. The Director General's public backing serves as a shield for personnel who may fear legal or administrative repercussions for their roles in the crackdown.

“Work fearlessly, I will take responsibility.”

This public endorsement by the CRPF chief signals a strategic effort to maintain organizational discipline and morale during a period of political volatility. By assuming personal responsibility for 'bona-fide' actions, Singh is attempting to insulate rank-and-file officers from the legal and political fallout of the Jantar Mantar protests, effectively prioritizing force cohesion over immediate concessions to critics of the police action.