Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to act against officers accused of caste-based harassment that allegedly drove senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar to suicide. Gandhi met the bereaved family in Chandigarh, calling the episode “a tragedy” that points to deep-rooted discrimination within the system.
The 2001-batch IPS officer was found dead on October 7, reportedly after facing caste-based humiliation and professional victimisation by senior officers. His body remains at PGIMER mortuary, as his wife Amneet P Kumar, also a senior IAS officer, has refused to permit the post-mortem until “powerful officers” accused of harassing him are arrested.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, Gandhi said, “It is a tragedy. He was an IPS officer. Haryana CM assured the family that justice would be done, but three days have passed with no action. Y Puran Kumar has two daughters who have lost their father and are under immense pressure. It sends a wrong message to crores of Dalits that no matter how successful or intelligent you are, you can still be suppressed.”
Calling for accountability, the Congress leader added, “One thing is clear — there was systematic discrimination for years to demoralise this officer and damage his career and reputation. Action must be taken, and arrests should be made, as this case against Puran Kumar was falsely framed. The family only wants dignity — respect for him even in death.”
Gandhi accused the state government of inaction and urged both the Prime Minister and the Haryana Chief Minister to “fulfil the commitment given to the daughters, allow the funeral, end this drama, and act against the officers exerting pressure on the family.”
On Monday, Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur was sent on leave amid mounting demands from Kumar’s family and Dalit organisations for his suspension and arrest. Om Parkash Singh has been given additional charge of the Director General of Police. The family has also sought action against former Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, whom they accuse of harassing the officer.
The family claims that the late IPS officer faced prolonged caste-based discrimination and was deliberately targeted to stall his career growth.
“This is not just about one family but about Dalits across the country,” Gandhi said, reiterating his demand for swift and visible action from the Centre and the Haryana government.
Meanwhile, an assistant sub-inspector of police posted in Rohtak allegedly died by suicide on Tuesday. According to media reports, he has left behind a three-page note and a six-minute video in which he has levelled allegations of corruption against late IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. According to the Rohtak Police, ASI Sandeep Kumar was posted in the Cyber Cell.