Ambala MP alleges harassment of SC officers after IG’s death

Congress MP from Ambala Varun Chaudhary has demanded that the suicide note of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar be made public, alleging that officers in high positions in the BJP government are harassing Scheduled Caste (SC) officers in Haryana.

“It is necessary to make the suicide note public because it reportedly mentions the names of senior officials holding powerful positions, who could otherwise influence the investigation,” Chaudhary told The Tribune today.

He said, “An FIR should be registered against those senior officials whose names have been mentioned in the suicide note. All documents recovered from Puran Kumar’s house should also be preserved.”

The Ambala MP further demanded that a judicial committee headed by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court be constituted to ensure an impartial probe and strict action against those responsible for his harassment.

Chaudhary said Y Puran Kumar was known in the police force as a strict, fair and honest officer who had served in several key positions, including as SP Ambala, and his death had shocked the entire police and administrative system.

Lamenting continued caste-based discrimination, Chaudhary said, “Even 79 years after Independence, members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes continue to face humiliation. Whether it was the shoe-throwing incident at the Chief Justice of India or the suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar — both reflect the same deep-rooted bias. He always raised his voice against discrimination and neglect and ultimately paid for it with his life.”

He said, “The Dalit community is still deprived of the equality guaranteed by the Constitution. The dream envisioned by Dr BR Ambedkar remains unfulfilled.”

Sources said the late IPS officer had repeatedly approached the Scheduled Caste Commission, alleging caste bias in matters of promotions, housing and vehicle entitlements. Despite being transferred to a mainstream posting as IGP Rohtak Range in April this year, he was again shifted as IG, Police Training College, Sunaria, within five months.

Family sources alleged that an attempt is being made to malign Puran Kumar’s image by linking him to a Rohtak corruption case “which has nothing to do with his death.”

Former Education Minister and Congress leader Geeta Bhukkal said, “A Dalit IPS officer has committed suicide, which is unfortunate for the society and the state. I appeal to CM to get the matter investigated properly.”