Chandigarh: Senior IPS officer Shatrujeet Kapur, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana, has come under intense scrutiny following the tragic suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. Mr Kapur, a seasoned Indian Police Service officer from the 1990 batch, has a distinguished career spanning over three decades marked by significant leadership roles and contributions in law enforcement and public service.
Career Overview: From NIT Kurukshetra to Haryana DGP
An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra (1983-88 batch), Mr Kapur has held several key positions in Haryana’s police force as well as national agencies.
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, born on October 21, 1966, in Haryana, is a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with a background in mechanical engineering. He began his police career in 1991 and has held various significant roles across multiple cities and departments, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Known for his dedication and sharpness, Kapoor has earned a strong reputation and is notably the preferred officer of Haryana’s Chief Minister, Manohar Lal.
Key Points –
- Born on October 21, 1966, in Jind, Haryana; hails from Phagwara, Punjab.
- Holds a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) on September 16, 1991.
- Initial postings as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Gurugram and Hisar (1992).
- Served as Additional Superintendent of Police in Sirsa, Kurukshetra, and Hisar.
- Became Superintendent of Police in Bhiwani (1995), later posted in Karnal for Highway Patrol and Road Safety.
- Worked in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as Superintendent of Police and DIG (2002-2005), including a stint as OSD.
- Held positions such as Inspector General of Police in Hisar and Rewari, and Commissioner of Police in Faridabad.
- Recognized as a tough and efficient officer.
- Chosen by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal as his first-choice police officer in 2023.
Taking Charge As DGP
He took charge as Haryana DGP on August 16, 2023, tasked with maintaining law and order across the state, spearheading crime prevention strategies, and implementing administrative reforms.
Before his appointment as DGP, Kapur served as Director General of the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), where he led high-profile investigations aimed at curbing corruption in the state. His expertise also extends beyond Haryana; he has contributed to sensitive investigations while working with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), enhancing his reputation at the national level.
Connection to Y Puran Kumar Suicide Case
Mr Kapur’s name surfaced in the ongoing investigation following the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who died under distressing circumstances. Kumar’s nine-page suicide note allegedly named several senior officials, including DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, accusing them of administrative harassment, caste-based discrimination, and bias within the police department.
The suicide note has sent shockwaves through Haryana’s police and bureaucratic circles, exposing deep-rooted issues related to caste discrimination and workplace harassment. Y Puran Kumar had a history of raising concerns with top officials, including the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, about irregular promotions and biased treatment.
Administrative Response and Possible Leave for DGP Kapur
With the gravity of the allegations and increasing public pressure, the Haryana government is reportedly considering sending DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on leave as part of the ongoing probe. This move is seen as an attempt to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the claims made in Kumar’s suicide note.
Alongside Kapur, other officers named in the complaint, including Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarnia, are expected to face administrative actions such as transfers or suspensions amid a broader reshuffle in the state police department.
Broader Impact on Haryana Police and Governance
The case has highlighted persistent challenges within the Haryana police system, particularly around caste-based discrimination and the mental health of officers facing systemic harassment. It has triggered demands from political parties, civil society groups, and Dalit organizations for a thorough investigation and greater transparency in police administration.
As the investigation unfolds, the future of Haryana’s top policing leadership remains uncertain, with significant implications for governance and trust in law enforcement institutions in the state.
