CHANDIGARH: Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, has pledged a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. Speaking on Saturday, Saini emphasized that no influential individuals would be spared from accountability. This strong statement came shortly after the removal of Rohtak Superintendent of Police, Narendra Bijarniya, who was implicated in Puran Kumar’s suicide note alongside Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur.
Amneet P. Kumar, Puran Kumar’s wife and an IAS officer, has publicly refused to permit an autopsy of her husband’s body until action is taken against those named in the suicide note. It has been nearly five days since Puran Kumar’s death, which has triggered significant public and political pressure for accountability. During his address at a BJP state executive meeting in Panchkula, Saini expressed his condolences to Puran Kumar’s family and requested that opposition parties refrain from politicizing the situation.
Chandigarh police faced backlash when they attempted to proceed with an autopsy on Saturday. DGP Sagarpreet Hooda stated that the autopsy would be postponed until the family granted approval. Following complaints from the family, who accused the police of moving the body without notification, the autopsy was halted. Senior police officials, including DGP Hooda and IG Pushpendra Kumar, visited Amneet to seek her consent, but she remained firm in her refusal.
Amneet, who was on an official tour of Japan when her husband allegedly took his life, returned home immediately upon receiving the news. In a meeting with Chief Minister Saini, she presented a two-page letter requesting justice and protection for her family, specifically calling for action against the individuals named in Puran Kumar’s suicide note.
In a significant governmental response, Bijarniya was replaced with IPS officer Surinder Singh Bhoria. While this marks the first action taken, pressure is increasing to hold DGP Kapur accountable as well. There is speculation about whether Kapur will be placed on leave, although no official confirmation has been made.
Comments from the family indicate that a “false FIR” filed in Rohtak contributed to Puran Kumar’s distress, leading to his suicide. The FIR involved allegations against head constable Sushil Kumar, who had been Puran Kumar’s personal security officer and was arrested on extortion charges. Following his arrest, police indicated that Sushil confessed to requesting money on behalf of Puran Kumar.
The day after the FIR was lodged, Puran Kumar reportedly took his life. State Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi and ACS-home Sumita Misra attempted to meet with Amneet on Friday to discuss the case but were met with resistance from her. As the situation unfolds, bureaucratic circles are watching closely to see if further actions will be taken against the officers involved.
