Chandigarh:
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has written to Amneet P. Kumar, wife of deceased Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, expressing condolences and raising concerns over alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment faced by her late husband. The incident has drawn widespread attention to systemic bias within law enforcement and administrative services.

Background of the incident

Y. Puran Kumar, a senior IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, was found dead at his official residence in Chandigarh, reportedly by suicide. His death followed prolonged stress, which he detailed in an 8-page “final note” recovered by authorities.

In the note, he accused senior officials, including DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, of repeated humiliation, harassment, and discrimination based on caste. The note highlighted years of mental trauma and bias within the police administration.

Police action and investigation

Following the complaint lodged by his wife, the Haryana police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including abetment of suicide, and initiated an investigation. A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the allegations, gather evidence, and examine the suicide note.

Authorities have also transferred SP Bijarniya in response to public concerns. Forensic evidence and digital data from mobile towers are being analysed to reconstruct events leading to the officer’s death.

Sonia Gandhi’s letter

In her letter, Sonia Gandhi conveyed her shock and condolences to Amneet P. Kumar, calling the incident “shocking and deeply saddening.” She highlighted that the passing of Mr. Puran Kumar is a stark reminder that even senior officials may face systemic bias and deprivation of social justice.

She expressed solidarity, stating that she and millions of citizens stand with the widow in seeking accountability and justice for the deceased officer.

Public and political reaction

The case has ignited debate over caste-based discrimination within law enforcement and administrative hierarchies. Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema confirmed that the suicide note revealed years of harassment and humiliation suffered by the officer.

The Haryana IAS and IPS officers’ associations have demanded a transparent inquiry, pressing for suspension or legal action against officials named in the note. Student organisations and civil society groups have also called for institutional reforms to ensure accountability and protect officials from bias.

Ongoing concerns and next steps

  • Authorities continue to verify the allegations detailed in the suicide note.

  • Legal accountability of the named officials remains under scrutiny.

  • The case has prompted calls for reforms in administrative and law enforcement procedures to prevent harassment and discrimination.

  • The incident has become politically sensitive, raising questions about impartiality and systemic safeguards.