The Haryana government has sent Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on leave following growing outrage over the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. The move came days after the transfer of Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya, another officer named in Kumar’s final note.
Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, was found dead on October 7 after reportedly shooting himself. In an eight-page note left behind, he detailed instances of caste-based discrimination, mental harassment, and humiliation by senior officers. His wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, has urged authorities to register a case against those mentioned in the note and demanded their arrest before agreeing to a post-mortem or cremation.
The state’s decision to send the DGP on leave came as opposition parties intensified criticism of the BJP-led government. Political leaders across party lines, including Rahul Gandhi, Deepender Singh Hooda, and AAP’s Harpal Singh Cheema, have met the bereaved family in Chandigarh. They demanded swift action based on the officer’s dying declaration, stressing accountability for the alleged harassment that led to his death.
A special investigation team comprising six officers has been formed by Chandigarh Police to probe the case. The team is expected to question the accused officers and review the late officer’s written note, official communications, and workplace records.
Meanwhile, the officer’s family continues to withhold consent for the post-mortem, insisting that justice must precede any final rites. Civil society groups and a 31-member committee supporting the family have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, seeking arrests and suspension of the officers named in the note.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, after meeting the family, said Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has assured that strict action will follow once the probe confirms culpability. However, public anger remains high, with many demanding that the case be transferred to an independent central agency for impartial investigation.
Kumar, known for his integrity and long service record, was reportedly under severe work-related stress in the weeks leading up to his death. His tragic demise has reignited debates about mental health support, caste discrimination, and accountability within India’s police forces.
Helplines have been issued by mental health organizations urging anyone in distress to seek professional help and counseling.
