CRPF To Seek Explanation From Injured RAF Officer Sonia Sehrawat Over Social Media Activity | Exclusive

Rapid Action Force (RAF) officer Sonia Sehrawat is likely to be asked to explain her social media activity that came under scrutiny and sparked controversy following the July 20 protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with sources confirming to News18 that an explanation will soon be sought in the matter.

According to senior Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sources, a preliminary assessment has found prima facie indications of possible violations of the force’s social media guidelines. However, officials said no conclusion has been reached yet, and the CRPF will first seek Sehrawat’s explanation before taking any further decision. “The top brass will seek an explanation. This has already been communicated to her,” a top-level officer aware of the development

told News18.

A detailed query sent by News18 to CRPF Director General GP Singh and the CRPF PRO seeking an official response remained unanswered at the time of publication. The story will be updated once a response is received.

Officer Injured During July 20 Protest

Sonia Sehrawat, an Assistant Commandant with the CRPF’s Rapid Action Force (RAF), emerged as one of the most discussed faces of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests after she was injured during clashes at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20.

She was part of the RAF contingent deployed to maintain law and order during the protest. A day after the clashes, an Instagram Story shared from her social media account went viral, drawing criticism from the CJP and several opposition leaders, and later triggering scrutiny within the force. The post was subsequently removed.

Sources said Sehrawat sustained a fracture and a shoulder injury during the violence. She underwent medical treatment and has not resumed duty since July 20 as she continues to recover.

She visited the CRPF headquarters on Wednesday on the directions of the top brass, along with other injured personnel. Sources said Director General GP Singh also met Sehrawat.

Social Media Presence

Sehrawat has built a significant social media following. Her Instagram account has more than 6.28 lakh followers, where she regularly posts personal updates and occasional glimpses of her life in uniform.

Her online presence has now come under official scrutiny following the viral Instagram Story.

DG CRPF Meets Injured Personnel

Sources further said that CRPF Director General GP Singh met Sehrawat and other injured CRPF and RAF personnel on Wednesday and commended them for their handling of the situation during the protests.

The DG is understood to have praised the force’s response while interacting with personnel who were injured in the line of duty.

CRPF’s Social Media Guidelines

The CRPF’s social media guidelines require personnel to clearly distinguish between fact and opinion and remind them that they are personally responsible for the content they publish on blogs, social media platforms and other forms of user-generated content. Personnel are also advised to make it clear that their personal views do not represent the position of the government.

The force has also instructed its personnel not to make adverse comments on government policies or post political or religious statements on public forums. The advisory notes that there have been instances in the past where officers expressed views on social media that were viewed unfavourably by the organisation’s leadership.

In a communication issued by the then Inspector General (Personnel), jawans were also advised to sensitise their family members and friends about the risks associated with social media, noting that they may inadvertently possess or share sensitive information. The advisory further asks personnel to protect the privacy of family members, disable location services and geotagging unless necessary, maintain private account settings where appropriate, and exercise utmost discretion while commenting on sensitive, gender-related or controversial issues online.