Chandigarh: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Chandigarh Police has intensified its probe into the suicide case of Haryana cadre IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar (2001 batch), with questioning underway of senior IAS and IPS officers named in the suicide note left by the deceased officer.
As part of the investigation, the SIT recently questioned former Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, against whom serious allegations were made in the suicide note.
Statements of Officers Being Recorded
So far, the SIT has recorded statements of 11 out of the 14 IAS and IPS officers whose names were mentioned in the suicide note. Notices are being prepared to summon the remaining three officers for questioning.
According to officials, these statements are considered crucial to determining accountability and understanding the circumstances leading to the officer’s death.
Removal of Former DGP Shatrujeet Kapur
Following the emergence of his name in the case, the Haryana government removed Shatrujeet Kapur, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, from the post of DGP. Initially, he was sent on a two-month leave after the controversy surfaced. However, a day before the completion of his leave, the government relieved him from the post late at night.
Kapur has since been appointed Chairman of the Haryana Police Housing Corporation.
Background of the Case
IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar was found dead at his residence in Chandigarh on October 7. During the investigation, police recovered a suicide note and related documents, which formed the basis for further inquiry.
The officer’s wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, submitted a written complaint to the police, alleging that her husband had faced caste-based discrimination, mental harassment, and humiliation over a prolonged period. She named senior police officers in her complaint, echoing the allegations mentioned in the suicide note.
SIT Has Questioned Around 60 People
The SIT has so far recorded statements of around 60 individuals, including:
- Senior police officers
- Family members and close associates
- Departmental staff
- Other witnesses
Those questioned include Haryana IG Shibash Kabiraj, former DGPs P.K. Agarwal and Manoj Yadav, and several serving and retired IAS and IPS officers.
Why Officers’ Statements Matter
The SIT has informed the court that the charge sheet has not yet been filed due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Officials stated that the probe involves a detailed examination of:
- Documentary evidence
- Call detail records
- Contents of the suicide note
- Circumstances surrounding the officer’s service conditions
Further legal action will depend on the findings from the officers’ statements.
SIT to File Status Report Soon
Nearly 70 days after the incident, the SIT has cited the complexity of the case and court procedures for the delay in filing the charge sheet. The investigation team is expected to submit a fresh status report before the court soon, outlining progress made and the next course of action.
