Fresh twist as Rohtak ASI dies by suicide, names IG Puran in note

A Haryana Police ASI, Sandeep Kumar Lather, reportedly shot himself dead with his service pistol at Ladhaut village here on Tuesday, purportedly leaving behind a six-minute video and a four-page suicide note levelling corruption allegations against the late IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who died by suicide at his residence in Chandigarh over a week ago.

Sandeep’s body was found in a room built in the fields. He was posted at the cyber cell of the SP office in Rohtak and was a member of the team that had arrested Sushil, an accused in a case pertaining to seeking extortion from a local liquor businessman. Sandeep is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Sandeep’s death came hours after the state government late Monday night sent DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on leave. Before that, the government had transferred then Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya. The two were among the officials named by Puran Kumar in a note he left behind.

In the suicide note, Sandeep levelled serious allegations of corruption, harassment and misconduct on caste lines against Puran Kumar and his subordinate staff.

In the 6.28-minute video, which is currently under investigation by the police, Sandeep is heard praising DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Bijarniya, describing them as “honest officers”.

Sandeep alleged that a corrupt officer had accepted bribes in a murder case and arranged a deal worth Rs 50 crore to clear a businessman of charges. He claimed that Bijarniya stood for honesty, confronted the officer and worked for the welfare of police personnel.

His body was first noticed by a labourer working in an adjoining field. He informed the villagers, who later called the police. Rohtak SP Surender Singh Bohria, along with other police officials, rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.

Talking to the media, the SP described Sandeep as a hardworking and honest officer. “The investigation is underway,” he said.

A press release from the district police expressed sorrow over the incident. “This is a deeply tragic event. The Rohtak police stand with the family in this hour of grief. We appeal to the public to maintain brotherhood, peace and law and order.”

Later, when the police attempted to take possession of the body for a post-mortem examination, villagers prevented them. Instead, they took the body to the house of Sandeep’s maternal uncle in the village, refusing to hand it over until their demands were addressed. They are demanding the registration of an FIR against the supporters, including political leaders, of Puran Kumar and their arrest.

Tension remained high in the village till the filing of the news report. Police officials were trying to persuade the victim’s family to hand over the body for a post-mortem.

In the video, Sandeep said his sacrifice was intended to awaken the people and the nation against corruption and harassment on caste lines. He said, “The price of speaking the truth can be very high; so I am prepared to sacrifice my life. Like Bhagat Singh, who gave his life to awaken the nation, I believe the country will wake up when the truth is revealed.”

Sandeep also alleged that during the tenure of the deceased officer, the transfers of employees posted at the IGP office were made with caste considerations. He alleged that women employees were harassed under the guise of transfers, and bribes were extorted from the police staff by citing technical deficiencies in their files. Sandeep alleged that a liquor businessman, who was already threatened by a gangster, was tortured.

Sandeep named extortion case accused Sushil and Dharmendra, alleging that he apprehended Sushil to serve him a notice to join the investigation in a related case. At that time, Sushil disclosed that a bribe amount was kept on the dashboard of a vehicle driven by Dharmendra, he alleged.

Sushil was arrested by the Rohtak police a day before Puran Kumar died by suicide. Sushil is accused in a case pertaining to demanding extortion from a local liquor businessman. He is currently lodged in the district jail.

In his suicide note, Sandeep alleged that the IGP had taken his own life after his name was linked to the case. He acted out of fear of dishonour. Both the video and the suicide note contained accusations against the IGP’s family as well. The IPS officer’s family did not respond to the allegations when contacted.