GS2The Indian Express · Current Affairs
‘Force gradient’ adopted for crowd control not as per standards, training, says Rafiq
Rafiq has alleged that police crowd control using a “force gradient” approach during a recent protest was not followed according to stated standards and training protocols.
SP
Samachar Pathshala Desk
Published 26 Jul 2026 · 1 min
Key takeaways
- “Force gradient” means police respond with force in staged steps, increasing only as the threat/crowd situation changes.
- Crowd-control standards and training protocols cover how police should plan, command, and carry out use-of-force so policing in crowds stays controlled and consistent.
- Rafiq alleges police crowd-management orders were carried out in the field without following the expected procedures and training guidance.
What happened (Rafiq’s allegation about crowd control)
Rafiq has alleged that police crowd-control during a recent protest was not carried out according to established standards and training protocols. The allegation argues that police crowd-management orders were implemented in the field in a way that did not match expected procedures and training-aligned conduct.
Background and earlier position (police crowd control and training expectations)
The UPSC angle
GS2GS4
Accountability for training-aligned crowd-control and use of force
UPSC can frame the controversy around whether a crowd-control doctrine like “force gradient” is implemented as per training standards and whether command oversight and review systems can detect and correct deviations during public order operations.
Related dispatches
The Indian Express
Protesters near Janarantar manage crowd; moments of New Delhi disturbance (photo caption)
The Hindu
A.P. clears security plan for Pushkaram festival
The Hindu
Two dead amid Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri
The Hindu
Tamil Nadu: C. Joseph Vijay blames police for Karur stampede; announces memorial; says police had power to cancel crowd events