Haryana relieves DGP after Telugu Dalit IPS suicide
Kumar, a 52-year-old 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself on October 7.
The Haryana government has relieved IPS officer Shatrujeet Kapur of his duties as Director General of Police, nearly two months after he was sent on leave amid mounting controversy surrounding the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. The decision marks a significant administrative step in a case that has drawn sustained political criticism, public scrutiny and deep emotional weight for the victim’s family.
In an official order issued from Chandigarh, the state government announced that O P Singh has been appointed as the officiating Director General of Police until further orders. Singh, a 1992-batch IPS officer, had already been handling the additional charge of state police chief during Kapur’s absence. However, his appointment is widely seen as a temporary arrangement, as he is due to retire on December 31.
Government sources indicated that the Haryana administration is preparing to send a panel of senior IPS officers’ names to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the appointment of a full-time DGP. The move is expected in the coming days, underscoring the urgency to restore stability and credibility to the state’s police leadership at a sensitive time.
Shatrujeet Kapur was sent on leave on October 14 following sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over the handling of the case involving IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. Questions were raised about institutional accountability, alleged workplace pressures and whether senior officials had failed in their duty of care. Since then, Kapur had not resumed charge, with O P Singh overseeing the police force in an interim capacity.
The controversy stems from the death of Kumar, a 52-year-old Telugu Dalit officer from the 2001 IPS batch, who allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. The incident sent shockwaves through the police fraternity and administrative circles, not only because of Kumar’s seniority but also due to the allegations that followed, pointing to possible harassment and systemic failures.
Kumar’s death initially raised concerns about the pace and transparency of the investigation. Matters took a deeply personal and emotional turn when his wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, withheld consent for a post-mortem examination. Her decision reflected both grief and mistrust, as she sought assurances that the probe into her husband’s death would be fair, impartial and free from influence.
A week later, she gave consent for the post-mortem after receiving formal assurances from the Chandigarh Police that a thorough investigation would be conducted. She also cited a commitment from the Haryana government that action would be taken against any officials found to be “erring” in the matter. Her stand drew widespread attention and sympathy, highlighting the human cost behind the bureaucratic headlines.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the state government of attempting to downplay the incident and delay accountability. They have demanded a transparent probe, preferably monitored by an independent agency, arguing that Kumar’s death raises uncomfortable questions about caste discrimination, work pressure and the treatment of officers within the system.
Within the police force, the episode has triggered quiet unease. Many officers have spoken privately about the stress, isolation and expectations faced by senior officials, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Kumar’s death has become a sobering reminder of the mental health challenges that persist even at the highest levels of public service.
By relieving Kapur of the DGP charge, the Haryana government appears to be responding to both political pressure and public sentiment. While officials have maintained that the move is administrative in nature, it carries symbolic weight in a case where trust, accountability and justice remain central concerns.
As the investigation continues and a new police chief is to be appointed, the focus remains on ensuring a credible probe into Kumar’s death. For his family, colleagues and many watching closely, the hope is that the truth will emerge and that meaningful action will follow — not just as a matter of procedure, but as a step toward restoring faith in the institutions meant to protect and serve.