'Whistle-blower' CRPF officer seeks probe into 'mistreatment' of protesters

A CRPF assistant commandant employed in Manipur has submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Commission for Women (NCW), and the Delhi Police commissioner, requesting an impartial investigation into three videos circulating on social media. The videos purportedly depict certain Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and police personnel physically mistreating women who were protesting against SIR and CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.

Rahul Solanki, the CRPF officer in question, made this complaint in his individual capacity as a citizen committed to the rule of law and the dignity and safety of women. The letter, dated October 11, included three video links as evidence for his complaint, which he had obtained strictly for verification purposes and had not authenticated. Solanki clarified that he was not endorsing the views or statements of any individuals or organizations behind the videos.

Solanki emphasized that if the allegations of inappropriate behavior towards the women protesters are substantiated, appropriate legal and departmental action may be taken against the personnel and their supervisors. Conversely, if the footage is found to be fabricated or manipulated, legal action should be pursued as per law, along with the removal of misleading content.

The CRPF official revealed that Solanki's direct approach to rights watchdogs and the Delhi Police, instead of reaching out to his superiors, may be perceived as indiscipline, as service conduct rules prohibit officers from filing public complaints against government officers or departments. The officer did not even have a presence on the ground where the protests took place. The official suggested that Solanki could face departmental proceedings for violating conduct rules.