Rohtak: In another tragic turn of events following the death of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar (2001 batch), Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sandeep Lather, posted in Rohtak’s Cyber Cell, died by suicide on Tuesday. His body was found at a farmhouse on Ladhaut-Dhamad Road, sending another wave of grief and confusion through the Haryana Police force.
Authorities discovered a three-page suicide note and a video message recorded by the officer before his death. In both, Sandeep made serious allegations of corruption and misconduct against IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who himself had died by suicide on October 7 amid accusations of harassment and caste-based bias.
The Tragic Discovery
According to police sources, ASI Sandeep, originally from Jind, had been serving in the Rohtak Cyber Cell for over a year. He had been residing at his maternal uncle’s house on Ladhaut Road. When he failed to report for duty on Tuesday morning, colleagues tried to reach him but received no response. Later, his body was discovered at a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city.
A police team led by local officials, along with Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) expert Dr. Saroj Dahiya, reached the spot to collect evidence. Initial findings suggest death by gunshot, and forensic reports are awaited.
The Suicide Note and Video Message
Investigators recovered a three-page handwritten note and a video message in which ASI Sandeep made several explosive claims.
In his note, Sandeep accused IPS Y Puran Kumar of corruption, alleging that Kumar had accepted large bribes to suppress a high-profile murder case involving a prominent political figure. He wrote that Kumar was “a corrupt officer who hijacked the system by exploiting casteism” and that his own death was a sacrifice for truth and justice.
Sandeep said he was following the ideals of Bhagat Singh, declaring,
“The price of truth is very high. When Bhagat Singh chose the path of justice, he too sacrificed his life. I am ready to do the same.”
In his video, Sandeep claimed that he had gathered evidence against certain senior officers allegedly involved in corruption and political cover-ups. He further stated that IPS Puran Kumar’s suicide was connected to these developments and that he himself was under immense moral pressure to reveal the truth.
Allegations in the Video
Sandeep made specific allegations that:
- A deal worth ₹50 crore was allegedly struck to suppress a murder case involving a political figure, Rao Indrajit Singh (as per his claims).
- IPS Y Puran Kumar was allegedly protecting the accused and manipulating postings using caste-based favoritism.
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Narendra Bijarniya, who had earlier been transferred after the IPS officer’s death, was portrayed by Sandeep as an honest officer who resisted corruption.
- He alleged that some individuals within the department were “using caste politics to destroy integrity within the police force,” while also referring to an IAS lobby that he claimed was “shielding the corrupt.”
These claims are now under official scrutiny, though police have not confirmed or denied any allegations, stating that all evidence will be “objectively examined.”
Haryana Police Begins Inquiry
Police officials have confirmed that an inquiry team has been constituted to examine Sandeep’s death, including his suicide note, video, and digital evidence. Senior officers in Rohtak stated that “every aspect of the case will be investigated transparently.”
The incident has added complexity to the ongoing investigation into the death of IPS Y Puran Kumar, whose suicide had already triggered public protests, political statements, and demands for judicial oversight.
Two Deaths, One Crisis: A Deepening Shadow Over the System
The deaths of both IPS Y Puran Kumar and ASI Sandeep Lather within just over a week have raised uncomfortable questions about the mental health crisis and institutional rot within Haryana’s police system.
Observers note that both officers, despite serving at different levels of the hierarchy, died expressing frustration and hopelessness about corruption, discrimination, and misuse of power.
Civil rights groups and mental health advocates are urging the government to initiate an independent probe, strengthen psychological counselling services for police personnel, and address workplace harassment and caste discrimination more aggressively.
Read also: Justice for Y Puran Kumar: A Tragic Tale of Bureaucratic Betrayal, Power, and Press
