Chandigarh: A Mahapanchayat held at Guru Ravidas Gurdwara, Sector 20, Chandigarh, on Sunday has escalated demands for justice following the suicide of senior Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, 2001 batch. The gathering, attended by 250-300 people, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Haryana government demanding the immediate removal of DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, an IPS officer of 1990 batch.
The ultimatum warns of intensified protests, including a planned strike by approximately 5,000 government employees from the Valmiki community, if the demand is not met.
Police Prevent Submission of Memorandum to Governor
Following the Mahapanchayat, protestors attempted to submit a memorandum to Haryana Governor Asim Ghosh. However, police blocked the attempt, leading to further tensions. The Governor subsequently met with 2001 batch IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, wife of the late IPS officer, for 22 minutes. Prior to this meeting, ADGP Saurabh Singh of Haryana CID was also present.
Panchayat & Protest Developments
The Dalit Panchayat formed a 31-member committee tasked with steering future actions. The committee’s principal demand remains the removal of Haryana DGP Shatrughan Kapoor within 48 hours. The committee warned that failure to meet this demand would trigger significant strikes and protests.
Meanwhile, six days after Puran Kumar’s suicide on October 7 in his Sector-11 residence, no consensus has been reached on his postmortem. IAS officers continue to engage with the family, but key issues remain unresolved. Cabinet Minister Krishna Bedi stated that the government is in continuous dialogue with the family, and that the Rohtak SP, who was removed at the family’s request, is no longer posted on road duty. Efforts to resolve the matter are ongoing.
Committee member Gurmel Singh emphasized that the family refuses to be pacified by job offers, accusing the government of attempts to mislead them.
Graphic Photo of Puran Kumar Released
A photograph has emerged showing the deceased IPS officer lying in a soundproof room in the basement of his Chandigarh bungalow. The image reveals Puran Kumar’s body with blood visible on his head, nose, and mouth, his right hand clutching a pistol, and covered by a blanket. This photo has intensified public outcry and demands for justice.
Legal Action and Strengthening of SC/ST Act
The Chandigarh Police have upgraded charges related to the case by strengthening Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act, which now prescribes life imprisonment and a fine, replacing the earlier provision under Section 3(1)(r) that allowed for a maximum five-year term and fine.
Political and Administrative Responses
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria termed the suicide a “serious matter” necessitating immediate legal scrutiny. An FIR has been registered naming 14 to 15 senior officers, including Haryana DGP Shatrughan Kapoor and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya. Kataria stressed the importance of due process before action against senior officials. A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted for an impartial probe.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, underscoring that no one is above the law. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured that those responsible would face consequences regardless of rank.
Candlelight Marches Across Punjab
In solidarity with demands for justice, the Aam Aadmi Party organized peaceful candlelight marches across major Punjab cities:
- Amritsar: From Bhandari Pul to Hall Gate, led by Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO
- Jalandhar: Corporation Chowk to Lav Kush Chowk, led by Minister Mohinder Bhagat
- Patiala: Sherawala Gate to OM Max Mall, led by MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann
- Bathinda: Fire Brigade Chowk to Hanuman Chowk, led by MLA Jagroop Singh Gill
- Ludhiana: Aarti Chowk to Bharat Nagar Chowk, led by MLA Madan Lal Bagga
Future Protests and Demands
Dalit organizations, led by Chaudhary Yashpal, have warned of highway blockades on the Jalandhar bypass in Ludhiana on October 15 if immediate government action is not taken.
The Panchayat resolutions will be forwarded through the Chandigarh administration to the Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria, reiterating demands for justice and accountability.
Background
Y. Puran Kumar, a senior IPS officer from Haryana, tragically took his own life on October 7, citing prolonged caste-based discrimination and harassment in his suicide note. Mr Kumar, an ADGP-rank official, was found dead at his home, House Number 116, in Sector 11, Chandigarh. This incident has exposed systemic caste biases within police and bureaucratic systems, sparking widespread protests and political demands for reform.
