Chandigarh: Rohtak Cyber Cell officer ASI Sandeep Lathar died on October 14, 2025. While initially reported as suicide, his family alleges he was killed due to corruption and pressure. His brother, Sheeshpal Lathar, claimed that those protesting at IPS Puran Kumar’s residence in Chandigarh and his supporters were also responsible.
Sandeep was investigating a case of extortion involving 2001 batch late IPS Puran Kumar’s gunman, Sushil Kumar. Notably, IPS Puran Kumar himself had committed suicide on October 7, less than 24 hours after an FIR was registered against his gunman for alleged bribery demands.
Before his death, Sandeep recorded a video and left a suicide note, implicating IPS Puran Kumar in corruption.
FIR Filed Against IAS, IPS, and MLA
Following Sandeep’s death, his wife, Santosh Lathar, filed an FIR naming –
- IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar (wife of IPS Puran Kumar), 2001 batch officer
- Amit Ratan, MLA from Bathinda Rural (brother-in-law of IAS Amneet)
- Two other unidentified individuals
The FIR states that Sandeep faced “unbearable pressure” from these individuals, which led to his death. Santosh has demanded a CBI investigation to ensure a transparent and fair probe.
In the case of IPS Puran Kumar, Chandigarh Police filed a case against 15 officers, including DGP Shatrughan Kapoor, based on Puran’s suicide note. In Sandeep’s case, four people are named, including IAS Amneet and MLA Amit Ratan.
Details of Sandeep’s Allegations
In his last video, Sandeep alleged –
- IPS Puran Kumar removed employees based on caste and appointed corrupt individuals.
- The environment under Puran led his gunman Sushil to demand money from anyone who came to the office.
- Puran Kumar, along with his IAS wife and MLA brother-in-law, intimidated people and exploited their positions.
He also stated –
“He committed suicide out of fear of the corruption complaint filed against him… He realized his sins were overflowing and took this step to save his family.”
MLA Amit Ratan’s Corruption Allegations
Amit Ratan had been previously implicated in corruption –
- In February 2023, he allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh from Ghudda village’s Panchayat grant of ₹25 lakh; the amount settled at ₹4 lakh.
- His PA was arrested red-handed by the Vigilance team while accepting the bribe.
- Amit Ratan fled the Punjab Circuit House when the arrest was attempted, though CCTV and audio evidence confirmed his involvement.
- The audio evidence was tested and verified at the CFSL lab.
- Amit allegedly used the influence of his IAS sister and IPS relatives to intimidate people across his constituency.
Despite the evidence, Amit Ratan obtained a stay from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, delaying further legal proceedings. According to sources, the ASI’s wife has alleged that IPS officer Puran, his IAS officer wife Amneet, and his MLA brother-in-law Amit Ratan are part of a group that intimidates people by using each other’s names and positions as leverage. She claims that her husband, Sandeep Lathar, was also subjected to intimidation by this group.
Investigation and SIT Formation
Haryana Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DSP Dilip Singh, including local SHO, SI, and ASI officers. The SIT will:
- Investigate the suicide thoroughly
- Question all implicated individuals, including IAS Amneet and MLA Amit Ratan
- Examine all evidence, including Sandeep’s suicide note and video
Family Demands Justice
Sandeep’s family stresses the need for impartial investigation, citing fear that local authorities may be influenced by powerful political and bureaucratic connections. They demand the full truth to be brought to light, ensuring justice for ASI Sandeep Lathar.
