Calling it a tragedy and a “deeply sensitive matter,” Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to fulfil promises made to the family of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, who died by suicide on October 7 in Chandigarh.
After meeting Kumar’s family, Gandhi said the assurance given to them by the Haryana Chief Minister had not been acted upon even after three days. “He was an IPS officer, a Dalit, and faced years of systematic discrimination to demoralise him and damage his reputation. His two daughters have lost their father and are under immense pressure. It sends a disturbing message to crores of Dalits that no matter how successful or intelligent you are, you can still be suppressed,” Gandhi said.
He added, “My message to the Prime Minister and the Haryana Chief Minister is clear, fulfil the commitment made to the daughters, allow the funeral, end this unnecessary drama, and take strict action against the officers who pressured the family.”
The Congress MP maintained that there was clear evidence of caste-based harassment and demanded accountability. “The DGP, who has now been sent on leave, is a serving officer. We all know how pressure can be exerted. The case against Puran Kumar was falsely framed. The family deserves dignity. They say he was disrespected and his career targeted, at least give him respect after his death. This is not just about one family; it’s about the rights and dignity of Dalits across the country,” he added.
Hours after the controversy intensified, Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur was sent on leave, and Om Parkash Singh was given additional charge as Director General of Police. The move came after the family demanded action against Kapur and other officers accused of harassing Kumar.
Meanwhile, Kumar’s wife has refused to consent to the autopsy of his body, asserting that “powerful, high-ranking officials of Haryana are involved in the case.” Eight days after the suicide, the body remains in the mortuary as the deadlock between the family and the state government continues over their demand for the arrest of Kapur and the ousted Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya.
– IANS
