Harayana,Oct.14,2025:On October 7, 2025, Haryana’s Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Y. Puran Kumar, was found dead at his residence in Chandigarh. The 52-year-old officer, a 2001-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, reportedly died by suicide. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the state and the nation, raising serious concerns about systemic issues within the police force-
Caste-Based Discrimination
In an eight-page note purportedly left by Kumar, he accused ten senior officials, including Haryana’s Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Narendra Bijarniya, of caste-based discrimination, mental harassment, and public humiliation. Kumar, who hailed from a Dalit background, alleged that these systemic biases had been a constant source of pressure throughout his career, leading to his tragic decision.
A Call for Justice
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Kumar’s family in Chandigarh to express his condolences and demand immediate action. Gandhi emphasized that the incident highlighted the systemic oppression faced by Dalits, stating, “A wrong message is being sent out to Dalits… that no matter how successful you are, if you are Dalit, you can be oppressed and crushed.” He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to fulfill their commitments and ensure justice for the grieving family.
Nationwide Outrage
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the nation. Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka visited Kumar’s family, condemning the caste-based discrimination and demanding accountability. Similarly, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders staged protests in various parts of Haryana, warning of a statewide agitation if no action was taken within ten days.
Investigation and FIR
Following the family’s plea, the Chandigarh Police registered an FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The FIR includes charges against the officers named in Kumar’s note. The Haryana government has placed DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on leave and appointed Om Parkash Singh as the acting DGP. The case has been handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a thorough and impartial probe.
Demand for Respect and Justice
Kumar’s family, led by his wife Amneet Puran Kumar, a senior IAS officer, has refused to proceed with the postmortem or perform the last rites until their demands for justice are met. They seek acknowledgment of the systemic issues that led to Kumar’s death and accountability for those responsible.
A Nation’s Conscience Awakened
The tragic death of Y. Puran Kumar serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues of caste-based discrimination within India’s administrative systems. It has ignited a nationwide conversation about the need for systemic reforms and the importance of ensuring dignity and respect for all, irrespective of caste. As the investigation progresses, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice and a commitment to change.
