RAF Officer Sonia Sehrawat's Controversial Instagram Post Sparks Outrage During CJP Protest

New Delhi, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: Amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi, a name has surfaced online - Rapid Action Force (RAF) officer Sonia Sehrawat, who was present at Jantar Mantar on the day of the Parliament march on July 20. The protests, which have drawn significant attention, are part of a broader movement addressing various socio-political issues in India, including demands for justice, accountability, and reform.

Sehrawat found herself at the center of a controversy over an Instagram story she purportedly posted a day after the march. A screenshot of that story, which appears to insult the protesters, has since gone viral. The post has ignited discussions around the role of law enforcement in managing protests and the respect for peaceful dissent in a democratic society.

In what reports say is a now-deleted post, Sehrawat had posted a short reel on her Instagram story that read, “Can’t fix themselves and they wanna fix the country.” The implications of such a statement, particularly coming from a member of the security forces, have raised questions about the perception of protesters by those tasked with maintaining public order. The post has been interpreted by many as dismissive of the grievances being voiced by the protesters, leading to accusations of insensitivity and a lack of understanding of the socio-political context driving the unrest.

HT could not independently verify the post.

The alleged post sparked sharp criticism from CJP, which accused Sehrawat of mocking the protesters and justifying what it described as the "brutality" of the security forces. The CJP, which has been vocal in its demands for reform and accountability, has called for a reassessment of how security personnel engage with citizens exercising their democratic rights.

CJP now has a fourth demand, says spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka. The organization has been vocal in calling attention to the need for police reforms and a review of the methods employed by law enforcement during protests. In a statement, Ranka emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding between the police and the community, suggesting that Sehrawat's comments reflect a broader issue within the police force regarding how they perceive and interact with protesters.

Calling it "absolutely shocking," the CJP said in a post on X, "This RAF official actually sees the peaceful protesters as cockroaches and thinks that the brutality of the police was justified because of that. But you see, we are cockroaches. And cockroaches never die." This metaphor not only highlights the perceived dehumanization of protesters but also serves as a rallying cry for those advocating for their rights, suggesting resilience in the face of oppression.

The post also invited criticism from TMC MP Mahua Moitra, who shared the screenshot of the story on X, saying, “RAF assistant commandant Sonia Shehrawat’s insta profile calling our children protesters cockroaches. Let’s find out who she is, where she lives, what’s her record? Let’s name & shame & drag each of these zealots through the law.” Moitra’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among politicians and public figures who are increasingly concerned about the rhetoric used by those in positions of authority and the implications it has for civil liberties and public discourse.

Abhijeet questions Sehrawat

On July 20, the day of the CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' march, party founder Abhijeet Dipke publicly questioned Sehrawat over allegations that RAF personnel had used excessive force against protesters, including women. This incident highlights the tension that often arises between law enforcement and demonstrators, particularly in situations where women are involved. The treatment of women in protests has become a significant issue, with many activists advocating for the protection of their rights and safety.

Standing atop a lorry, Dipke addressed the officer directly, saying, "Ma'am, as a woman, I want to know... Do you support brutality against women being done by men?" This question underscores the intersection of gender and authority in the context of protests, as well as the expectations placed on women in positions of power. Referring to a woman protester who alleged that she had been assaulted by security personnel from her team, Dipke said, "This girl said she was assaulted and hit on her chest. What is this? Is this right, ma'am?" This inquiry reflects the broader concerns regarding the treatment of women in protests and the responsibilities of law enforcement to uphold their safety and dignity.

Sehrawat was standing opposite Dipke along with her team when the exchange took place. Despite his criticism of the police action, Dipke also praised Sehrawat for listening to him calmly and patiently. "I've been here at the protest site for over a month, but no police officer has listened to me the way ma'am has. I want to share my feelings with ma'am. Do you know, everyone here is upset with me for not continuing the march? But I am ready to live with that blame because I would not have been able to live with myself had anything happened to these students," he said. This interaction illustrates the complexities of communication between protesters and law enforcement, where mutual respect can sometimes be found even amid conflict.

Sehrawat responds to allegations

When asked about Abhijeet Dipke's allegations, Sehrawat told Hindustan Times that the RAF personnel under her command neither intentionally nor unintentionally assaulted any protesters. "It was not done by my jawans, neither intentionally nor unintentionally. They are manned and trained to save women," she said. This statement reflects the official stance of the RAF, which emphasizes the training and preparedness of its personnel to handle protests without resorting to violence.

Describing what transpired during the protest, Sehrawat said she repeatedly appealed to demonstrators to maintain distance and avoid crowding. "When chaos erupted, I urged and requested everyone to maintain distance and not stand too close. However, the protesters brought the women to the front while they themselves stayed behind. I don't know what their motive was. How much can we say?" she told HT. This comment suggests a perception that protesters were using tactics that could compromise their safety, raising questions about the responsibilities of both protesters and law enforcement during such events.

Explaining the incident further, Sehrawat said three women fell after the crowd surged from behind, resulting in a stampede-like situation. "When people were pushed from behind, three girls fell in the front. My jawans did not hurt them – I can guarantee you that. They were injured in a stampede-like situation," she added. This account highlights the chaotic nature of protests and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large crowds, particularly when tensions are high.

Sehrawat further claimed that she and several RAF personnel were also injured during the confrontation. "When I fell to the ground, stones and shoes were being thrown at me. They even took off my helmet," she said. This statement points to the physical risks faced by security personnel during protests, as well as the potential for violence to escalate on both sides.

She further alleged that one of the jawans was dragged into the crowd. "How much can anyone tolerate? If a government employee is subjected to mob lynching, that is not acceptable. We have to act in self-defense," she added. This perspective emphasizes the need for law enforcement to protect themselves while attempting to maintain order, complicating the narrative around police actions during protests.

Sehrawat further explained, “when the crowd was pushed from behind, the boys could run away, but the girls could not. There was even a 12-year-old girl there. What was a 12-year-old doing at the protest without any assistance? Our priority was to save the young girls. We are not the enemies, and we are not goons," she said. This statement illustrates the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing crowd control with the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors.

Asked whether Dipke's remarks about her being a woman and a mother had affected her emotionally, Sehrawat declined to comment. "Those are personal comments. I will not speak about them," she said, adding that the crowd had also verbally abused the security personnel. "They kept calling us goons and hurling abuses at us." This acknowledgment of the verbal abuse faced by security personnel highlights the emotional toll that such confrontations can take on those in law enforcement.

“We are here to protect you, and you don’t want to be protected, so what can I do?,” she said, adding that she herself got injured while saving women protestors during the protest. This statement underscores the complexities of the relationship between law enforcement and the public, particularly in high-stress situations where the intentions of both sides can be misinterpreted.

Who is Sehrawat?

Sehrawat is an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), serving with the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The RAF is a specialized unit of the CRPF, tasked with handling riot control and crowd management during protests. This background places Sehrawat in a position of authority, yet also subject to scrutiny given the nature of her role during public demonstrations.

She is active on Instagram, where she has over 621,000 followers (6.21 lakh). Her account mostly features posts about her personal life, dance videos, trending reels, fitness content, and occasional glimpses of life in uniform. The juxtaposition of her social media presence with her professional responsibilities raises questions about the public perception of law enforcement officials and their engagement with social media, especially in contexts where their actions are under scrutiny.

The controversy surrounding Sehrawat's Instagram post and the subsequent events at the protest highlight the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and civil society in India. As protests continue to be a vital part of democratic expression, the interactions between protesters and security forces will likely remain a focal point of discussion, reflecting broader societal issues regarding authority, accountability, and the right to dissent.

The incident also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue about the role of security personnel in a democratic society and the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard, respected, and protected, regardless of their position. As the CJP protests continue, the implications of this controversy will likely resonate beyond the immediate context, influencing public perceptions of both the police and the protesters involved.