The death of a Haryana police officer has sparked serious allegations, with his family claiming he was murdered for investigating a corruption case and now demanding an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
ASI Sandeep Lathar, who was part of the Rohtak Cyber Cell, died on October 14, 2025. While officially recorded as a suicide, his relatives assert that he was killed due to the immense pressure he faced while probing an extortion case. The initial investigation involved Sushil Kumar, the gunman of the late IPS officer Puran Kumar. Notably, IPS Puran Kumar himself died by suicide on October 7, shortly after an FIR was registered against his gunman for soliciting bribes.
Prior to his death, ASI Lathar left behind a video statement and a note that directly implicated the late IPS officer in corrupt activities.
FIR Implicates High-Profile Officials
In the wake of her husband’s death, Santosh Lathar filed a formal police complaint. The named accused include:
IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, a 2001-batch officer and the widow of IPS Puran Kumar.
Amit Ratan, the MLA from Bathinda Rural, who is the brother-in-law of the IAS officer.
Two other unidentified individuals
The FIR contends that “unbearable pressure” from these individuals led to Lathar’s death, prompting the call for a CBI investigation to ensure transparency. This case mirrors the situation following IPS Puran Kumar’s suicide, where his own note led to a case being filed against 15 senior police officers.
Officer’s Final Allegations
In his posthumous video, ASI Lathar made several grave accusations. He claimed that IPS Puran Kumar engaged in caste-based discrimination in staffing and appointed corrupt individuals. He alleged that this toxic environment enabled his gunman to freely demand bribes from the public. Lathar further stated that Puran Kumar, along with his IAS officer wife and MLA brother-in-law, used their influential positions to intimidate others.
Regarding Puran Kumar’s own suicide, Lathar suggested in the video that the IPS officer took his own life out of fear from the corruption complaint filed against him, describing it as an act to “save his family.”
Background on the Accused MLA
MLA Amit Ratan has a history of corruption allegations. In one instance from February 2023, he was accused of demanding a bribe from a village council grant. His personal assistant was subsequently arrested by a Vigilance team while accepting the illicit payment. Although Ratan allegedly fled the scene, audio and CCTV evidence reportedly confirmed his involvement. Despite this, he secured a stay order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, halting the legal process. The ASI’s wife has alleged that her husband was intimidated by this same powerful network of individuals.
Ongoing Investigation and Family’s Plea
The Haryana Police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a DSP, to conduct a thorough inquiry. This team is tasked with questioning all individuals named in the FIR, including the IAS officer and the MLA, and examining all evidence, including the suicide note and video.
Sandeep Lathar’s family continues to press for an impartial investigation, expressing concern that local authorities may be influenced by the powerful figures involved. They are steadfast in their demand for a complete and truthful account of the events leading to his death, seeking ultimate justice for ASI Sandeep Lathar
