Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): In the wake of explosive allegations surrounding the suicide of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, Haryana’s Director General of Police (DGP), Shatrujeet Kapur, has been sent on leave by the state government. This comes after Kapur was named in an FIR linked to the tragic incident, which has stirred intense public and political backlash.
The decision to place the senior officer on leave follows the involvement of other high-ranking police officials, including Rohtak’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Narendra Bijarnia, who has already been reassigned. The move is seen as a response to the serious accusations made by the late officer in his suicide note, which specifically named Kapur, Bijarnia, and several other prominent IAS and IPS officers.
Rajeev Jaitley, the Chief Minister’s Media Adviser, confirmed the development, stating that Kapur has been relieved of his duties. However, no official comment has been made regarding his temporary replacement. The timing of the move coincides with growing unrest over the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death and the allegations of caste-based discrimination and administrative malpractice that have surfaced in the media.
The nine-page suicide note, allegedly written by Puran Kumar, accused a number of senior officers of engaging in discriminatory practices, including unfair treatment during postings, irregularities in performance evaluations, and corruption. These allegations have placed the state government under increasing scrutiny, especially with the officer’s wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, demanding accountability.
Opposition leaders have seized on the controversy, particularly in light of the state’s growing concerns over allegations of discrimination against Dalits. Many see the Haryana government’s decision to send Kapur on leave as a way to mitigate further public discontent, especially after tensions over delays in the post-mortem and funeral arrangements of the deceased officer.
The timing of the controversy has also had political ramifications. Earlier this month, the state government canceled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Sonepat on October 17, a move interpreted by many as a reaction to the intensifying standoff between the officer’s family and state authorities.
Kapur, who took over as Haryana’s DGP in August 2023, had previously served as an IPS officer for more than three decades. His tenure at the top of the state police force, which was supposed to last for two years, has now become mired in controversy. He succeeded P.K. Aggarwal and had been in charge for less than two months when the tragic events unfolded.
While the government has yet to name a successor, several senior officers are in the running. Mohammad Akil, an IPS officer from the 1989 batch who currently serves as Commandant General of the Home Guards, is the most senior officer in the state police force. Akil had previously been passed over for the DGP position when Kapur was appointed, and speculation about his promotion is now swirling.
Other potential candidates include S.K. Jain, Director General of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, and OP Singh, the current head of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, who is expected to retire in the coming years. Both officers are highly regarded for their experience and leadership in law enforcement.
The revelations from the suicide note have struck a deep chord within the state, as Puran Kumar’s accusations of bias and irregularities paint a troubling picture of internal corruption and poor management within the police ranks. With the officer’s tragic death, questions about caste discrimination, power imbalances, and the treatment of Dalit officers in particular are now at the forefront of public debate.
As the investigation continues, the Haryana government is under increasing pressure to ensure justice is served. The tragic loss of Y. Puran Kumar, a respected IPS officer, and his widow’s call for transparency has intensified calls for reform within the state’s police force and broader administrative systems.
The case continues to draw national attention, with many questioning whether the state government will take concrete steps to address the systemic issues raised by the late officer’s allegations.
