Rahul Gandhi To Meet Family of Haryana IPS Officer Amid Growing Political Storm
Opposition intensifies pressure on Haryana government over alleged harassment and delay in post-mortem
By Orlin Milinov
Chandigarh — Political tensions in Haryana deepened on Monday as opposition leaders intensified their criticism of the state government following the alleged suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi scheduled to meet the bereaved family today.
The 52-year-old officer, a 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. In an eight-page note purportedly written before his death, Kumar accused eight senior police officers, including Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and former Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, of “caste-based discrimination, targeted harassment, and public humiliation.”
His wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, has since filed a police complaint demanding that the two officers be named in the FIR for allegedly abetting her husband’s suicide. The family has refused to permit an autopsy or cremation until action is taken against those named in the note.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
The case has triggered a major political row, with leaders from across party lines visiting the family’s residence in Chandigarh to express solidarity and demand justice.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale confirmed after meeting the family that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had assured him that those found guilty would face consequences. However, he urged the family to allow the post-mortem to proceed, noting that it was essential for the investigation.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, INLD chief Abhay Singh Chautala, and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema were among the leaders who visited the family. Hooda emphasized that only a fair and transparent probe could restore public trust.
“This will only happen when justice is served,” he told reporters.
Cheema accused the Haryana government of protecting the “accused officials,” while Chautala vowed to stand by the family “until justice is delivered.”
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka also met the bereaved family, calling Kumar’s death “extremely tragic” and urging the government to act swiftly on the officer’s “dying declaration.”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Steps
The Chandigarh Police have set up a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a “prompt, impartial and thorough” inquiry. Officials confirmed that notices had been issued to the Haryana government under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to provide all necessary documents related to the case.
Authorities have requested that the post-mortem be conducted at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, under a board of doctors, with videography and forensic oversight. However, the examination remains on hold pending family consent.
Meanwhile, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, which took suo motu cognisance of the incident, has expressed dissatisfaction with the police response and demanded strict action against those named in Kumar’s note.
A 31-member committee formed to support the family has given the government a 48-hour ultimatum to act against the officers accused. Separately, a Sarv Khap Mahapanchayat has announced a meeting in Narwana, Jind, on Tuesday to discuss the issue and push for accountability.
A Growing Political Flashpoint
The tragedy has rapidly evolved into a national controversy, with the opposition accusing the state government of mishandling the case and shielding top officials. Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit is expected to intensify pressure on the ruling administration, as calls for justice and transparency continue to mount.
