New Delhi: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) assistant commandant has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking an impartial investigation into videos being circulated on social media that allegedly show police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel physically ill-treating women protesters.
Rahul Solanki, assistant commandant with the CRPF’s 87 Battalion in Manipur, has sought forensic verification of the videos, examination of the complete footage and appropriate legal and departmental action if the allegations are substantiated.
He is submitting the complaint in his personal capacity and is not representing the CRPF or any other organisation, Solanki clarified.
“I am submitting this complaint solely in my individual capacity as a concerned citizen of India committed to the Constitution, the rule of law and the dignity and safety of women,” the letter states.
He has called for an impartial inquiry into the footage, including forensic examination of the videos and verification of the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents.
The videos “prima facie appear to show police/CAPF personnel physically mistreating women protesters”, he wrote, referring to the material shared online.
Solanki, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions before the footage is independently verified.
“I do not claim to have independently verified the footage,” the complaint states, adding that the links have been provided strictly for verification purposes and without endorsing the views or positions of the individuals or organisations that posted them, as reported by News18.
The CRPF officer urged the authorities to examine the complete incident footage and relevant circumstances before determining whether any misconduct occurred.
“If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate legal and departmental action may be taken against the personnel and supervisory officers found responsible,” he stated in his letter.
Solanki has also called for scrutiny of the authenticity of the footage, including the possibility that the videos may have been fabricated or materially altered.
If the material is found to be manipulated, appropriate legal action and the removal of misleading content be considered in accordance with the law, he requested.
He has also urged the authorities to consider appropriate directions and gender-sensitivity training for police personnel deployed on the ground, particularly those handling women protesters.
The objective, Solanki said, is to ensure that the dignity, safety and legal rights of women are respected during police operations, while adding that he acknowledged the challenges faced by police and other uniformed personnel in maintaining public order and protecting citizens.
“This complaint is not intended to undermine their service, but to ensure that any genuine misconduct is addressed fairly and that the integrity of the force is protected,” the letter stated.