🔥 Trending Rapid Action Force (RAF): Recent Incidents and Role in Crowd Control

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is a specialized anti-riot wing of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), specifically trained to handle public order situations such as riots, protests, and other high-risk gatherings ²³. It operates as an auxiliary force, supporting state police when called upon, rather than being a part of local police units ¹². The RAF is distinguishable by its blue dungarees ⁷.

Role and Doctrine

The primary objective of the RAF is to manage and de-escalate public disturbances with a doctrine of graduated escalation ³. This means they aim to resolve situations through negotiation and less-lethal methods first, reserving more forceful measures as a last resort ³. Their manual emphasizes negotiations as the initial approach, with pellet guns and other anti-riot weapons considered only in later stages ³.

Recent Events and Controversies (2026)

In July 2026, the RAF has been prominently featured in news due to its involvement in several protests, particularly in Delhi. These events have led to internal reviews and public scrutiny regarding the force's conduct and operational procedures.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Protests

The RAF was deployed alongside Delhi Police during the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Connaught Place ¹. During these protests, there were allegations of RAF personnel using excessive force and pellet guns against demonstrators ⁵⁷.

• Investigations: The RAF has initiated an inquiry into these allegations, taking cognisance of multiple social media videos showing its personnel in blue dungarees ⁵⁷.
• Assault on Personnel: In a separate incident during the CJP protests, RAF personnel were reportedly chased and assaulted by a mob near Connaught Place. Videos of this alleged attack surfaced online, showing security personnel being surrounded ¹⁰.

Jantar Mantar Protests

The RAF chief has addressed personnel and field commanders regarding the alleged excessive use of force during protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Following the emergence of videos showing such incidents, the use of anti-riot weapons in Delhi has been barred ⁶.

Sansad Chalo March

An internal review by the RAF flagged operational lapses during the "Sansad Chalo" march. The review cited improper use of force gradient and inadequate briefing of personnel before deployment ⁸.

NEET Protests

The RAF also faced an "unprecedented situation" during recent NEET protests, where 47 personnel sustained injuries. This incident prompted the CRPF Director General to order a full post-action analysis, signifying a rare internal review of a specialized unit ⁹.

Ban on Pellet Guns and Shock Weapons

Following public outrage and internal investigations into the use of force, particularly during Delhi protests, sources indicate that the RAF has banned pellet guns and shock weapons in Delhi ⁴. The Inspector General reportedly informed RAF personnel and officers that "excessive use of force" would not be tolerated ⁴.