‘Systemic bias at play’: Rahul Gandhi calls for accused’s arrest to end family’s ordeal

As the deadlock between Dalit IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s family and the Haryana Government continued for the seventh day, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to act immediately and take action against accused officers.

Addressing mediapersons after meeting the family of the deceased officer in Chandigarh, Rahul alleged there was systemic discrimination against Kumar. The family has so far refused to allow the post-mortem, demanding the arrest of all accused.

Rahul said, “The Haryana CM had given a commitment to the family that he would take action and ensure a free and fair inquiry. He said this three days ago, but it has not been fulfilled.”

He said, “Two daughters have lost their father. They are under immense pressure and deeply disturbed. This is a Dalit couple. It is clear that not just for days but for years, systematic discrimination took place to demoralise him, damage his career and ruin his reputation.”

“This is not just about one family. A wrong message is being sent to crores of Dalit brothers and sisters -- no matter how intelligent or capable you are, if you are a Dalit, you can be suppressed, crushed and thrown out. This is not acceptable to us,” he said.

He further said, “My message to the PM and the CM is to fulfil the commitment they gave to the officer’s daughters. Stop this tamasha now and allow the funeral. Proceed against the accused officers and end the pressure on the family.

“He was a serving officer. Action must be taken immediately. The accused officers should be arrested… The family’s message is simple and justified. They are asking for respect. The deceased officer’s wife said, ‘You disrespected my husband, destroyed his career and pushed him to suicide. After his death, at least give us respect. If you can’t give us that, it’s unacceptable’.”

Rahul was accompanied by former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Congress chief Rao Narender Singh, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary.

Kumari Selja said, “The suicide of Y Puran Kumar is not just a personal tragedy but a reflection of the insensitivity of the entire system.” Varun Chaudhary said, “The delay in delivering justice is an insult to the entire community.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister and LJP president Chirag Paswan said, “I pay tribute to Y Puran Kumar on behalf of the Centre. The tragic incident exposes the social evils that still persist. Even in the 21st century, people face persecution based on caste, creed and religion. I assure the family that every demand will be met. If this family doesn’t get justice, no Dalit family will feel encouraged to join the IAS, IPS or the mainstream.”