CRPF chief tells staff: 'I will take responsibility for your actions'

Gyanendra Pratap Singh, the Director General of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has issued a message to his personnel, encouraging them to continue their duties "fearlessly." He assured them that he would take responsibility for all actions carried out in the bona fide discharge of their duties, regardless of whether they were part of an operational battalion or a law-and-order unit. This directive follows allegations that security forces used excessive force, including pellet guns, electric batons, and other weapons, to disperse protestors during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) march on July 20. The DG's remarks were made at an investiture ceremony for new personnel, where he emphasized that accountability for decisions and actions taken in good faith would be borne by him as the Director General. Earlier this week, the CRPF headquarters issued a similar statement, assuring jawans and officers that bona fide actions would receive support. A report indicated that the CRPF headquarters "lauded" the endurance and patience shown by personnel during recent difficult situations. The top brass also stated that any decision made by troops on the ground was considered to be in the nation's interest. A formal Court of Inquiry (CoI) is slated to commence once the Rapid Action Force (RAF)/CRPF probe determines whether the troops' actions in Delhi last week were unjustified or violated standard operating procedures. The Director General informed news agency ANI that a professional post-event assessment would be conducted after the agitation concluded and the crowds dispersed. The DG's message arrives amidst controversy surrounding the dispersal of the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. Allegations include the use of lathi charge, tear gas, shock batons, and pellet guns. While the CRPF, RAF, and Delhi Police have denied using excessive force, media investigations by outlets like The Hindu, Newslaundry, and Hindustan Times suggest that pellet guns were indeed issued to personnel.

“

As the Director General of the CRPF, I want to assure each one of you that whether it is an operational battalion or a law-and-order unit, whatever decisions you take and whatever actions you carry out in the bona fide discharge of your duties, I take responsibility for all those decisions and actions. Continue to perform your duties fearlessly. Wherever responsibility or accountability needs to be taken, I will take it as the Director General.