Police excesses in crowd control turn peaceful demonstrations into medical crises
Police use of "less lethal" crowd control measures, such as lathis, tear gas, pellet guns, and shock-batons, in excess or misuse, can lead to severe long-term health consequences, turning peaceful demonstrations into medical crises. The U.S.-based Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) highlights injuries ranging from transient symptoms to lifelong disability and death. Indian law lacks clear regulations on the composition and deployment of these devices, leading to indiscriminate harm. Examples include head injuries from tear gas shells and pellet gun injuries causing vision loss. Experts call for better training, transparency, and accountability to minimize harm.
Key Points
- Excessive use of "less lethal" crowd control weapons by police can cause severe, long-term health issues and even death.
- Indian law lacks clear regulations on the composition and deployment of crowd control devices, leading to misuse.
- Tear gas, pellet guns, and shock-batons have caused serious injuries, including respiratory issues, burns, head trauma, and vision loss.
- Experts advocate for improved police training, transparency, accountability, and communication to minimize harm during protests.
Exam Facts
- Organization: Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).
- Chemical compounds in tear gas: CS gas (o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile), PAVA (pelargonic acid vanillylamide), Oleoresin capsicum.
- International law: Chemical Weapons Convention (bans tear gas in war).
- Study: 2025 study in Toxicology Reports on CS spray effects.
- Kerala Police Manual of 1970.
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