The tragic death of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Y. Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer from Haryana, has thrown the state’s police and civil administration into turmoil. A handwritten suicide note, stretching across eight pages, was recovered from his official residence in Chandigarh. In it, Kumar accused eight IPS officers and two IAS officers of prolonged harassment, caste-based bias, and professional victimization.
A Sudden Transfer and Hidden FIR
Kumar was moved from Rohtak Range Inspector General to Police Training College (PTC), Sunaria, on September 29. The transfer was widely perceived within the department as punitive. Shortly after, on October 6, an unpublicized FIR was reportedly filed against him at the Urban Estate police station in Rohtak. Although officials have maintained silence, sources say this undisclosed case, combined with the abrupt transfer, left him distressed.
The Will and the Suicide Note
On October 7, Kumar fatally shot himself with his service revolver while at home. Police found an eight-page note dated the same day, as well as a will prepared on October 6. Both documents are under forensic review for ink, handwriting, and timing to establish authenticity. In his will, Kumar left his property to his wife, IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, who was on an official visit to Japan with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at the time.
Allegations Against Seniors
The note levels serious charges, including caste-based discrimination in confidential reports, denial of housing entitlements, arbitrary transfers, and deliberate sidelining. A former state DGP was explicitly mentioned, along with accusations of favoritism and neglect of his complaints over the years.
History of Confrontations
Kumar was no stranger to conflict with the system. In 2020, he publicly accused then-DGP Manoj Yadava of caste prejudice and vindictive behavior. He had also challenged findings submitted by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Rajiv Arora. Over the years, he approached the Haryana High Court multiple times, questioning transfers, denial of official housing, creation of posts without finance approval, and irregularities in promotions. In 2024, he lodged a formal complaint against then-DGP Shatrughan Kapoor for allegedly breaking transfer rules.
He often spoke about discrimination against Scheduled Caste officers in promotions, official vehicle allocations, and other service entitlements.
Extortion Case Link
The controversy deepened when his longtime PSO, Sushil Kumar, was arrested in connection with an extortion racket involving liquor contractor Praveen Bansal. Bansal alleged being pressured in mid-2024 to pay ₹2.5 lakh per month. An audio recording later surfaced where Sushil was heard bargaining over the bribe and reportedly named Y. Puran Kumar during questioning. Though an FIR was registered, Kumar had not received any formal notice before his death.
The Final Morning
On October 7, dressed casually in a T-shirt and lowers, Kumar shot himself while sitting on a sofa in his private movie room. His daughter, who had gone out for breakfast, discovered the body upon returning and immediately informed her uncle, a legislator from Punjab. Investigators recovered the suicide note from his pocket, but noticed his personal laptop was missing. Another device, said to belong to his daughter, was found in the house, raising suspicions about missing evidence.
Career and Reputation
Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Kumar was regarded as a bold and outspoken officer. His postings included IGP Rohtak Range, IGP Law and Order, IG Telecommunications, and IG PTC Sunaria. Though decorated with important assignments, his career was repeatedly overshadowed by disputes with superiors and administrative tussles.
Probe Underway
Chandigarh Police, assisted by forensic experts, are now recording statements from family members, staff, and fellow officers. The suicide note and will are being treated as crucial evidence that may shape the course of the investigation.
