Chandigarh: More than two months after the shocking death of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has informed the Haryana DGP that the investigation has extended beyond the legally mandated 60-day period under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Authorities attribute the delay to the extensive documentation and records involved in the case.
Crucial Accused Still Not Questioned
Despite procedural progress, the SIT has not yet questioned several prominent individuals named in the FIR filed by Kumar’s family. Among them are liquor contractor Praveen Bansal and the former Rohtak SP Narender Bijarniya, both alleged by the family to have contributed to the harassment and pressure leading to Kumar’s suicide.
The SIT is also reviewing police records related to FIR No. 0319/2025, lodged against Kumar’s personal security officer just a day before his death—a move the family has labeled as “manipulated.”
Officials have formally informed the DGP of the extended timeline as required under law, but questions remain about when the named individuals will be summoned.
Legal Framework: 60-Day Investigation Rule
Under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, any investigation must be completed within 60 days. If this period cannot be adhered to, the investigating officer is required to notify the next higher authority with a justification for the delay. In Kumar’s case, the SIT has complied with this reporting requirement but has yet to question key suspects, raising concerns about the pace of the inquiry.
The Case Background
Y Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer from the Haryana cadre, was found dead at his Chandigarh residence on October 7, 2025, reportedly by suicide using his service revolver. A detailed suicide note, later described as eight pages long, and a will were recovered at the scene.
In his note, Kumar alleged prolonged mental harassment, professional humiliation, and caste-based discrimination within the police department. Following his death, his wife, a senior IAS officer, filed a complaint seeking an FIR under the SC/ST Act, citing that the harassment he faced from colleagues drove him to this extreme step.
SIT Progress So Far
The SIT has interviewed 32 witnesses, including police personnel, administrative officials, and others connected to the sequence of events before Kumar’s death. While this marks significant procedural progress, the fact that the main accused have not yet been questioned has drawn criticism from the family and observers who are calling for a faster and more transparent investigation.
This case has reignited public discussions on workplace discrimination in the police force and highlighted the need for stricter oversight and protection mechanisms for officers facing harassment.
