Haryana IPS officer's death: Chandigarh police made two requests for body identification, post-mortem

A week has passed since the death of Haryana Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Y Puran Kumar by suicide, yet neither the post-mortem has been conducted nor have the last rites been performed. The late officer’s family continues to stand firm on its demand that the Haryana Government must first arrest and suspend Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak Superintendent of Police (SP) Narendra Bijarniya — both of whom are named in the suicide note — before they will consent to the next legal steps.

Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Police, who are leading the investigation, appear to be caught in a stalemate. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pushpendra Kumar, confirmed that their team had visited the Sector 24 residence twice over the past few days, submitting written requests to the family to identify the body and authorise the post-mortem. According to the police, “In furtherance of investigation of case, a formal request letter was sent to the complainant requesting her to come forward for identification of the body for conduct of a post-mortem examination at the earliest which is essential for speedy investigation from SSP/UT.”

While sharing an update late at night, the UT police issued a statement that a team of SIT is in Rohtak since October 11 for investigation of the case. Further investigation was carried out in Rohtak today. After sending letters, a notice (under Section 94, BNS) has been served on the Government of Haryana to provide documents required for investigation into the case. Furthermore, letters were sent to the FSL along with submission of exhibits related to the case.

The SIT’s repeated appeals for cooperation have failed to break the impasse, even as public outrage continues to grow.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Cabinet Minister and MP of Hajipur in Bihar Chirag Paswan are reportedly scheduled to visit the family tomorrow.

Leaders unite in demand for justice to family

Leaders cutting across party lines on Monday intensified their criticism of the Haryana Government over its handling of the suicide case, urging immediate arrests of senior officers named in the late IPS officer’s note.

Former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who visited the bereaved family at their Sector 24 residence, said it was “disgraceful” that no action had been taken even after a week. Accompanied by INTUC president Nasib Jakhar, Bansal said the officer’s note detailed instances of harassment — being barred from temple visits, prevented from attending his father’s last rites, and humiliated over transfers.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, termed the officer’s death “a shameful reflection on the system,” calling on the Haryana Chief Minister to ensure justice. Describing Y Puran Kumar as an IIM graduate and upright officer who rose through integrity, he questioned, “If such a capable officer is driven to despair, what faith can the common man have left in governance?” He said the Telangana Chief Minister had personally conveyed condolences to the officer’s wife and mother and urged the Prime Minister and Home Minister to act, citing continuing caste-based discrimination within institutions of power.

Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Hoshiarpur also demanded the arrest of officers allegedly protected by political influence. “It is tragic that an honest officer was forced to take this extreme step due to harassment by those enjoying government patronage,” he said.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said it was “deeply shameful” that justice had eluded the family even after seven days. “If a senior IPS officer cannot get justice, what hope remains for common citizens?” he asked.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also met the bereaved family, calling for the suspension and arrest of the DGP and SP. “Promises are meaningless without arrests,” he said, adding that the delay in post-mortem was “unjustifiable and demoralising.” Athawale pledged to raise the issue at the national level until the family’s demands are met.