Use of Pellet Guns at Protests

At least one protester injured during the July 20 march to Parliament in Delhi reportedly sustained pellet-gun injuries. 

What Are Pellet Guns?

• Pellet guns, technically called pump-action guns, are classified as non-lethal crowd-control weapons.
• A cartridge contains numerous lead pellets that spread after being fired.
• They are intended to immobilise individuals but can cause blindness, severe tissue damage or death when fired at close range or sensitive body parts.
• Other non-lethal weapons include tear gas, water cannons, pepper spray and tasers.

Rules Governing Their Use

• Police are generally instructed to first use minimal force.
• When firing becomes necessary, personnel should ordinarily aim below the waist.
• Their use must follow the principles of necessity, proportionality and minimum force.

First Major Use in India

• Pellet guns were extensively deployed in Jammu and Kashmir during the 2010 unrest.
• They were introduced as a crowd-control alternative intended to reduce fatalities.
• However, their use caused deaths, blindness and serious injuries, leading to widespread criticism.
• Pellet guns were reportedly used during: the 2023 ethnic conflict in Manipur and the 2024 farmers’ protests at the Punjab–Haryana border.

Shock Batons

• Shock batons are also part of RAF equipment.
• They are handheld devices designed for self-defence and operational use.
• Their specifications include lightweight construction, rechargeable batteries and the ability to deliver repeated electric shocks.

Major Concerns

• Pellet guns can cause irreversible eye injuries and permanent disability.
• Their description as “non-lethal” may underestimate their actual harm.
• Lack of transparency regarding deployment weakens accountability.
• Their use against peaceful demonstrators raises questions of proportionality and human rights.

Pellet guns should be used only as an exceptional last resort and strictly according to clear standard operating procedures. Their deployment must be accompanied by body-camera recording and mandatory post-operation reporting to ensure transparency and accountability. Police forces should prioritise safer crowd-control alternatives, dialogue and de-escalation techniques. Allegations of excessive or disproportionate force must also be investigated independently and promptly.