NEW DELHI: Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress parliamentary party, expressed her condolences to Amneet Kumar, widow of senior Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, who reportedly died by suicide at his official residence in Chandigarh. Puran Kumar’s suicide note implicated 16 high-ranking IAS and IPS officers, alleging that their harassment contributed to his tragic decision.
Sonia Gandhi described the incident as a “grim reminder” that even top officials are not free from the bias and prejudices of those in power, which often undermines social justice. In her letter, she conveyed her deep sorrow over Puran Kumar’s passing, stating, “In this hour of immense pain, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family.” She also expressed solidarity with the family in their pursuit of justice.
Puran Kumar, who held the position of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), reportedly took his own life using a firearm in his government accommodation. The Chandigarh Police responded promptly and cordoned off the area, securing the weapon and initiating forensic investigations.
Following his death, the Haryana government took steps to address growing pressure, replacing Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijraniya with Surinder Singh Bhoria. Reports suggested that the government is considering placing Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Singh Kapur on extended leave to mitigate rising tensions within the police force.
Two days posthumously, Chandigarh Police registered an FIR (No. 156) at the Sector 11 police station based on Puran Kumar’s eight-page suicide note, which named several senior officers, including DGP Kapur and SP Bijraniya, citing harassment and attempts to defame him. The FIR includes charges of abetment to suicide and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Amneet Kumar, a 2001-batch IAS officer, is demanding the immediate suspension and arrest of all officials mentioned in her husband’s note. She personally submitted her complaint to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during a visit to their home in Chandigarh, where he offered condolences and participated in a prayer for the family.
In her correspondence, Amneet alleged that the named officers were responsible for continuous harassment and mental distress that led to Puran Kumar’s death. She urged authorities to consider the suicide note as a dying declaration and to take decisive actions to prevent any interference with evidence. Additionally, she requested permanent security for her family, especially for their two daughters, citing a grave threat and significant mental distress. The officer’s family has reportedly refused to perform his final rites until justice is served.
