What is a pellet gun, how deadly is it? Know the rules and SOP of its use

During the discussion on Anti Paper Leak Bill in Parliament, opposition leaders discussed pellet guns a lot. He claimed that the protesting students were attacked with pellet guns. There was a huge uproar in the Lok Sabha last Wednesday when opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of using pellet guns against the students protesting in Delhi against the NEET exam paper leak. In such a situation, it becomes very important to know what is this pellet gun and why is there so much ruckus about it?

In fact, the purpose of SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) on the use of pellet guns is to use minimal lethal force during crowd control. It is mainly used by security forces in sensitive areas or in emergency situations. However, there have been controversies from time to time regarding its use, as it has sometimes caused serious eye and facial injuries.

What is a pellet gun?

Pellet guns are usually 12-bore pump-action shotguns, with hundreds of small metal pellets (pellets) inside the cartridge. When fired, these pellets expand and are used to disperse the crowd.

Rules related to use of pellet gun

• Last option: Pellet guns are used only when efforts to convince and warn fail. Lathi charge, tear gas, water cannon or other less lethal measures may not be effective. The crowd should be violent and there is serious threat to life, property or security forces.
• Permission of competent authority: Generally, it is used only after the permission of the senior officer present on the spot/incident commander. Every force (CRPF, RAF, state police) has its own operational orders and command chain.
• Where to aim: According to SOP, head, face, eyes, neck and chest are not targeted with pellet gun. The aim is usually below the waist, especially towards the legs, so that the person can be restrained but not seriously injured.
• Distance focus: Firing is not done from very short distances, as this increases the risk of serious injury or death. There are instructions to maintain adequate safe distance when using it.
• Minimum required force: Only that much firing is done as is necessary to control the situation. Firing is stopped immediately when the crowd calms down.
• Medical Aid: If someone is injured by a pellet gun, he is provided medical aid as soon as possible.
• Event record: A record is prepared of the circumstances of the firing, the officer who gave the order, the rounds used and the result. In many cases, a post-event review or investigation is also conducted later.

Controversy over pellet gun

Human rights organizations have repeatedly protested against its use, as it has resulted in serious injuries, including permanent loss of vision. After this, the security forces have laid more emphasis on training, adherence to SOP and alternative less-lethal means.

Under what circumstances should it not be used?

• On peaceful protesters.
• When other less lethal measures are effective.
• As an initial response to crowd control.
• On small children, the elderly or people who are not in immediate serious danger.

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