New Delhi [India]: Following the alleged suicide of Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the BJP-led government of fostering an environment of caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalits and Adivasis.

Kharge cites alarming NCRB data

Sharing a post on X, Kharge highlighted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), noting a 46 per cent rise in crimes against Dalits and a 91 per cent increase in crimes against Adivasis between 2013 and 2023.

“Narendra Modi ji, according to the NCRB report, between 2013 and 2023, there has been a 46 per cent increase in crimes against Dalits. Crimes against Adivasis have increased by 91 per cent,” Kharge wrote.

The Congress chief said the recent incidents—including the suicide of the IPS officer in Haryana, the killing of a Dalit man in Raebareli, and an attempt to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai—are not isolated events but “a dangerous manifestation of the RSS-BJP’s feudal mindset.”

Attack on BJP’s “feudal mindset”

Kharge accused the BJP of undermining the Constitutional principles of social justice and equality, claiming that caste discrimination is on the rise under the current regime.

“This chain of events is a direct assault on the fundamental principles of India’s Constitution, social justice, and equality,” he said.

“This politics of intimidating and suppressing Dalits, backward classes, Adivasis, and marginalised communities poses a serious threat to democracy,” he added.

Kharge also criticised the Prime Minister for allegedly turning a blind eye to caste atrocities.

“India will be governed by the Constitution, not by the decrees of any extremist ideology. Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, minorities, and weaker sections are bearing the brunt of this, and you are keeping your eyes shut to these issues,” Kharge wrote.

Priyanka Gandhi echoes concern

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the BJP government, linking the IPS officer’s death to a series of caste-related crimes.

“The entire country is shocked by the suicide of Haryana’s IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, who was troubled by caste-based harassment,” she posted on X.

Priyanka alleged that atrocities against Dalits have become widespread, calling the trend “terrifying.” She also referred to the murder of Hariom Valmiki in Raebareli and the insult directed at the Chief Justice of India, saying these incidents expose the BJP’s failure to protect marginalised communities.

“Whether it is an ordinary citizen or someone in a high position, if they belong to the Dalit community, injustice and inhumanity do not leave them alone,” she wrote.

FIR against senior police officials

Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Police registered an FIR against Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Singh Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya following a complaint from IAS officer Amneet Puran Kumar, the wife of the deceased IPS officer.

The FIR, filed under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 3(1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, cites abetment to suicide and caste-based harassment.

The FIR alleges that the late officer faced sustained discrimination and professional humiliation due to his caste background, which allegedly drove him to take his own life.

Political implications

The death of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar has reignited the debate on caste discrimination within India’s police and administrative systems. The Congress party has used the incident to accuse the BJP government of eroding constitutional values and ignoring social injustice.

Political analysts believe the incident could have wider ramifications ahead of the upcoming elections, especially in northern states where caste-based issues remain politically sensitive.

While the BJP has not yet issued an official response, party insiders suggested that the opposition is attempting to politicise a tragic personal event.

The investigation into the officer’s death continues, with police expected to question several senior officials in the coming days.