NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow following the suicide of senior Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar at his official residence in Chandigarh. In a letter to Kumar’s wife, Amneet Kumar, Kharge noted that the incident has highlighted serious social prejudices and systemic inequities.
Puran Kumar, who held the title of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), reportedly left a suicide note accusing 16 senior IAS and IPS officers of harassment and attributing his decision to end his life to their actions. “I write this letter to you feeling deeply hurt and shaken,” Kharge’s letter stated. He further emphasized that the tragedy resulted from “biased and discriminatory mindsets” within the system, and he expressed the need for introspection while paralleling this event with national achievements.
Kharge reassured Amneet Kumar of the Congress party’s support during this difficult time, acknowledging the critical questions raised in her husband’s note and assuring that they would lead to a decisive resolution. Puran Kumar was found to have shot himself at his government accommodation, prompting an immediate response from Chandigarh Police, who have since cordoned off the area and initiated a forensic investigation.
The Haryana government has taken steps to address the incident by replacing Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijraniya with Surinder Singh Bhoria amid public outrage. Additionally, sources indicated that Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Singh Kapur may be put on extended leave to alleviate tensions within the police.
Chandigarh Police, following an examination of Kumar’s eight-page suicide note, registered an FIR under charges of abetment to suicide and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The note specifically named eight senior IPS officers, including DGP Kapur and SP Bijraniya, citing harassment and attempts to undermine Kumar’s reputation.
Amneet Kumar, a 2001-batch IAS officer, has formally requested the suspension and arrest of the officials mentioned in her husband’s suicide note. She personally delivered her complaint to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who visited their residence to offer condolences. In her request, Amneet characterized the note as a dying declaration and insisted on swift actions to prevent any interference with evidence.
Furthermore, she has called for permanent security for her family, especially their two daughters, due to perceived threats and ongoing mental distress. The officer’s family has reportedly declined to perform his last rites until they feel justice is served in the wake of this tragic event.
