A cloud of controversy surrounds the passing of Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, with his post-mortem examination currently on hold. The 52-year-old officer’s body was moved from the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) mortuary to PGIMER on Saturday morning, but the post-mortem was subsequently halted due to an alleged communication gap between Kumar’s family and the Chandigarh Police. This development follows earlier protests and political outcry regarding the officer’s alleged suicide.
Family’s Demands
Sources close to the family revealed that Kumar’s wife, Amneet, who is also a senior IAS officer, had communicated that their daughters wished to see their father’s body and pay their respects before the post-mortem. Additionally, the family requested the presence of a ballistic expert and a magistrate on the medical board for the autopsy. Reports suggest that the police may have misinterpreted these requests, proceeding with the body transfer without the family’s explicit consent for the post-mortem itself, especially considering the family’s prior refusal until the Haryana DGP and Rohtak SP were arrested.
Amneet Kumar has formally written to the Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kanwardeep Kaur, pointing out perceived “incomplete information” in the First Information Report (FIR). She urged for corrections to accurately name all accused individuals and requested that the diluted sections of the SC/ST Act within the FIR be amended.
Police Response
Chandigarh Police DGP Sagar Preet Hooda acknowledged the communication lapse, stating, “There was a communication gap. We will not proceed with the post-mortem till the family gives its consent. The SSP is accompanying the body and the process will begin only once the family gives a go-ahead.” Hooda visited the family’s residence to address the situation and mentioned that ongoing discussions are aimed at resolving the family’s grievances. Earlier, Hooda had established a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the IPS officer’s death.
The situation remains sensitive, with Haryana ministers and senior government officials engaging with Kumar’s family to persuade them to agree to the post-mortem and cremation.
Allegations of Caste Discrimination
In her complaint, Amneet Kumar has called for an FIR against Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya under Section 108 of the BNS (abetment to suicide) and relevant SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provisions, demanding their immediate arrest. She stated that the FIR’s accused column merely mentioned “as per final note,” which she considers insufficient and inaccurate.
The late officer had reportedly left a suicide note accusing eight senior police officers, including Kapur and Bijarniya, of “blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities.” The incident has drawn sharp reactions, with political leaders highlighting the alleged bias faced by those in power.
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