Chandigarh: The ongoing turmoil following the tragic suicide of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar (2001 batch) has taken a significant turn, with the Haryana government forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT), bolstering the security of the officer’s family, and moving toward removing Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, an IPS officer of 1990 batch.
Despite repeated appeals from government officials, the postmortem of the officer remains pending as the family continues to demand firm action before performing last rites.
DGP Kapoor’s Dismissal Confirmed; 3 Officers in Contention for Top Post
According to sources, DGP Kapur’s removal from office is nearly confirmed. Among the names under consideration to replace him are IPS officers OP Singh, Alok Mittal, and Arshinder Singh Chawla. Alok Mittal, who recently met Chief Minister Nayab Saini, is said to be the front-runner due to OP Singh’s upcoming retirement. Chawla has also been elevated to the rank of Director General.
Meanwhile, Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya — also named in the FIR — is likely to face action soon.
Read also: System Failed Him: How Haryana IPS Y Puran Kumar’s Death Sparks Caste Bias Row Against Top Officials
FIR Registered Against 15 Top Officials, Including Haryana DGP and Chief Secretary
Late Thursday night, Chandigarh Police registered an FIR at Sector 11 Police Station against 15 senior officials, including DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, and SP Narendra Bijarniya. The FIR includes charges under IPC Sections 108 and 3(5), and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, section 3(1)(r). This marks an unprecedented legal step in Haryana’s administrative history.
SIT Formed Under IG Pushpendra Kumar to Lead Investigation
On Friday, a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IG Pushpendra Kumar was formed by Chandigarh Police to probe the case. Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur is also part of the team. The move is aimed at ensuring impartial and high-level scrutiny into the allegations of mental harassment, administrative pressure, and caste-based victimization that allegedly led to Puran Kumar’s death.
Family Security Heightened; Police Booth Outside Residence
Following concerns raised by the family, the Haryana government has increased security outside the officer’s residence in Sector 24, Chandigarh. A temporary police booth has been set up, and additional forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of the family, including Kumar’s wife, IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, and their daughters.
Amneet Kumar Raises Objection Over FIR Format
In a significant development, Amneet Kumar expressed strong objection to the format of the FIR. She submitted an additional application to Chandigarh Police, stating that the names of the accused were not separately listed as per standard procedure. She also reportedly had a tense conversation with SSP Kanwardeep Kaur over this issue, demanding strict adherence to due process.
NCSC Chairman Visits Family, Assures Justice
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman Ashok Makwana visited the bereaved family on Friday evening and spent over an hour in a private meeting with Amneet Kumar. Speaking to media afterward, he assured that justice would be delivered and that the commission would monitor the progress of the investigation closely.
Legal Hurdles Ahead: Action May Depend on Government Sanctions
Despite the FIR and SIT formation, constitutional experts caution that action against high-ranking government officers may not be immediate. Supreme Court advocate Viram Gupta explained that government sanction is often required before prosecuting serving officers, especially under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Without such permission, the case could face procedural delays or even dismissal.
Given the high-profile nature and the number of officers named, decisions on arrests or suspensions are unlikely until the SIT completes its initial findings.
