Tearful adieu to Haryana IPS officer, daughters perform last rites

Nine days after Y Puran Kumar allegedly shot himself dead, the Haryana IPS officer was cremated on Wednesday at the Sector 25 cremation ground in Chandigarh where his two daughters performed the last rites.

His wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, was also present during the emotionally charged ceremony, which took place after the family finally gave its consent for the autopsy and cremation, ending days of standoff over their demand for action in the case.

Amid tight security, the officer was given a tearful farewell with state honours as police personnel, senior officials and government representatives paid their last respects. The autopsy of Y Puran Kumar, who died allegedly by suicide at his Sector 11 house on October 7, was conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) today under heavy security arrangements and judicial supervision.

After days of deliberation and emotional strain, Amneet P Kumar gave her consent for the post-mortem early in the morning. Her decision came after formal assurances from both the Chandigarh Police and the Haryana Government that the probe into the officer's death would be conducted fairly and transparently.

In a statement, Amneet expressed faith in the judiciary and the investigative agencies, stating: "In view of the assurance extended by the UT police for a fair and impartial investigation, and the commitment of the Government of Haryana to take appropriate action against any erring officials, I have consented to the post-mortem examination… I have full faith in the judiciary and the police authorities and hope that the truth emerges in accordance with law."

Around 8.45 am, Amneet arrived at the PGIMER's Advanced Anatomy Centre (AAC) with her brother, Amit Rattan Kotfatta, and relatives. The police had cordoned off the entire area since early morning. Barricades were placed at all approach roads leading to the AAC, and entry was strictly regulated.

Post-mortem examination

After all legal and procedural formalities were completed in the presence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the Medical Board and forensic experts, the post-mortem examination began around 11 am. It was conducted by a four-member board headed by Dr Jasbir Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine at PGIMER. The examination went on for nearly two and half hours, concluding at 1.30 pm. In adherence to the family’s requests and to ensure transparency, the entire process was videographed.

Three key samples — viscera, DNA swab and the deceased’s clothes — were preserved for forensic analysis.

In its official statement later in the afternoon, the PGIMER confirmed: “The post-mortem examination of Haryana-cadre IPS officer Y Puran Kumar was conducted today by a duly constituted Medical Board following all due procedures. The report will be submitted to the Investigating Officer of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The mortal remains have been respectfully handed over to the family members.”

Final journey

By 3 pm, hundreds had gathered outside the late officer’s house to pay their last respects. Emotions ran high as colleagues, friends and local residents queued to offer condolences.

Among those in attendance were Chandigarh and Haryana DGPs Dr Sagar Preet Hooda and OP Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, former Union Minister Pawan Bansal and Chief Principal Secretary to the Haryana CM Rajesh Khullar, IAS. Senior bureaucrats, including Anurag Rastogi, Chief Secretary, Haryana, Muhammad Akil, Commandant General, Home Guards and Civil Defence, and Alok Mittal, IPS, ADGP, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, were also present. Representing the Haryana Government, Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar and Shyam Singh Rana attended the cremation, while Congress MLAs Pooja Chaudhary, Nirmal Singh and Ashok Arora were also in attendance to pay homage.

Riot Control Police and multiple contingents of the UT police were deployed to maintain order, particularly as slogans against the Haryana Government were raised before and after the ceremony. Over 300 people attended the cremation, leading to brief traffic disruptions around the cremation site.

Heavy police deployment

Tight security was ensured under the supervision of SSP (UT) Kanwardeep Kaur, Sector 11 SHO Jaiveer Rana and SI Babita, in charge of the PGI police post. The presence of IGP Pushpendra Kumar at the site underscored the sensitivity of the event. Traffic police were stationed around the premises to prevent any disruption.

The SSP later accompanied the family to the officer’s Sector 24 residence to facilitate their movement and ensure that post-identification procedures at the PGIMER could commence smoothly.

Nine days since the Tragedy

The cremation brought to an end a nine-day impasse since the death of the senior IPS officer, who allegedly died by suicide at his Sector 11 residence on October 7. His death had sparked widespread outrage and protests across Haryana and Punjab, with several political leaders calling for accountability and swift action.

The officer’s family had accused Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and SP Rohtak Narendra Bijarniya of harassment and bias, demanding their arrest and suspension. The Haryana Government eventually responded under pressure. On October 11, SP Bijarniya was sent on leave, and two days later, on October 13, DGP Kapur was also directed to proceed on leave. Surinder Singh Bhoria was appointed as the new Rohtak SP, while Om Prakash Singh, Managing Director of the Haryana Police Housing Corporation, was given the additional charge of the DGP.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Chandigarh Police, currently probing the case, has been coordinating with Haryana Police to collect all relevant documents and evidence.