The state of Haryana is grappling with a dual tragedy and a deepening scandal following the recent deaths of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and ASI Sandeep Lathar. These incidents have ignited a firestorm of political and administrative turmoil, fueled by serious allegations of caste discrimination, corruption, and a controversial FIR naming the wife of the deceased IPS officer. The situation has prompted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding both deaths, raising critical questions about the internal dynamics and ethical conduct within the state’s police force.
The Demise of IPS Officer Y Puran Kumar
Y Puran Kumar, a respected 52-year-old IPS officer from the 2001 batch, was serving as Inspector General at the Police Training Centre in Rohtak. His life was cut short on October 7 when he was found dead at his Chandigarh residence, with initial reports suggesting suicide by gunshot. In a poignant ‘final note’ left behind, Kumar made grave accusations against eight senior officers, including the then Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, detailing instances of profound caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation, and atrocities. In response to these serious allegations, the Haryana government promptly sent DGP Kapur on leave and appointed IPS Om Parkash Singh as the acting DGP, signaling an immediate administrative response.
Family’s Plea for Justice
Puran Kumar’s wife, Amneet P Kumar, a senior IAS officer herself, initially expressed reservations about the autopsy, demanding swift action against the officers named in her husband’s note. However, after receiving assurances from the police regarding a thorough and impartial investigation, she consented to the postmortem, emphasizing her faith in the judiciary and police authorities. She pledged full cooperation to ensure justice is served promptly. The cremation ceremony was held on October 15, with his daughters performing the final rites.
The Unsettling Twist with ASI Sandeep Lathar
Just over a week after Kumar’s death, ASI Sandeep Lathar, 41, was discovered dead from a gunshot wound in Rohtak’s Ladhot village on October 14. Lathar, who was posted in the cyber cell, left behind his own suicide note and a video that directly accused the late IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and his family of corruption. Lathar claimed to possess substantial evidence against Kumar, suggesting that Kumar’s suicide was an attempt to evade family humiliation. Colleagues described Lathar as a dedicated and hardworking officer who had appeared visibly distressed in the days leading up to his death, particularly after being questioned by an SIT.
FIR Registered, Allegations Mount
Following ASI Lathar’s death, his family filed a complaint, leading the Rohtak police to register an FIR. The FIR names Amneet P Kumar (Y Puran Kumar’s wife), her brother and Bathinda MLA Amit Rattan, ex-ASI Sushil Kumar, and another police officer named Sunil. These individuals have been booked under Sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Chief Minister’s OSD, Virender Singh Badhkhalsa, communicated the FIR details to Lathar’s family and urged them to provide consent for the autopsy.
Lathar’s Note and the Bribery Allegation
In his final message, Lathar specifically targeted IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and his family, accusing them of corruption. He also claimed to have received threats from Sushil Kumar, an associate of the IPS officer, after arresting him in a bribery case. Lathar’s video, in particular, drew parallels to the sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, suggesting a similar path of truth for the country’s awakening. He also lauded Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya as an honest officer who had confronted Puran Kumar.
The alleged bribery case at the heart of the matter originated from a complaint by liquor contractor Praveen Bansal. Bansal accused head constable Sushil Kumar of demanding ₹2.5 lakh on behalf of Puran Kumar during his posting in Rohtak. Lathar, as part of the CIA-2 team, played a crucial role in intercepting and arresting Sushil Kumar just a day before the IPS officer’s death. Following the arrest, Sushil Kumar reportedly subjected Lathar to abuse and threats.
Government’s Response and Opposition’s Demands
In light of these developments, the Haryana government has taken steps to address the situation. DGP Shatrujeet Kapur has been sent on leave, with OP Singh appointed as acting DGP. Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, named in Kumar’s note, has been transferred. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, accompanied by ministers Mahipal Dhanda and Krishan Lal Panwar, visited ASI Lathar’s family, assuring them of a fair investigation and promising appropriate action. The government has also pledged a job for Lathar’s wife, a state funeral, and a time-bound probe.
The case has ignited significant political outrage, with former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala calling for a judicial investigation overseen by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Chautala further advocated for a court-monitored CBI probe to ensure impartiality.
What Lies Ahead?
The investigation into the death of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar is currently being handled by a Chandigarh Police SIT, while the Rohtak Police are investigating ASI Sandeep Lathar’s case. The forensic examination of the laptop allegedly used by the IPS officer for his suicide note is still pending, leaving many questions unanswered.
Key Developments and Related Information:
- Read more about the allegations of caste discrimination in Haryana police here.
- Understand the legal framework surrounding abetment to suicide in India.
- Follow updates on the ongoing investigations into the deaths of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and ASI Sandeep Lathar.
- Learn about the role of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in overseeing such investigations.