The death of senior Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar (2001 batch) has triggered widespread outrage across the country. A Mahapanchayat convened on Sunday at Guru Ravidas Gurdwara, Sector 20, Chandigarh, demanded swift justice, giving the Haryana government 48 hours to remove DGP Shatrujeet Kapur (1990 batch) from his post. The gathering of nearly 300 participants warned that if the demand was ignored, over 5,000 government employees from the Valmiki community would go on strike.
Police Block Protesters from Meeting the Governor
After the Mahapanchayat concluded, protestors attempted to hand over a memorandum to Haryana Governor Asim Ghosh, but police intervened and stopped them, escalating tensions further.
Later, the Governor met IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, wife of the late IPS officer, for about 22 minutes. Before this meeting, Haryana CID ADGP Saurabh Singh was also seen at the venue.
Panchayat Forms 31-Member Committee
A 31-member Dalit Committee has been formed to lead future actions. Its primary demand remains the removal of DGP Shatrughan Kapoor within 48 hours. Members warned that any delay in action would lead to statewide protests and large-scale strikes.
Even six days after the officer’s suicide on October 7, no final decision has been made regarding his postmortem. Senior IAS officials remain in touch with the bereaved family, though key issues remain unresolved.
Cabinet Minister Krishna Bedi said the government is in regular contact with the family. He confirmed that Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, whose removal was demanded by the family, has been relieved of road duties.
Committee member Gurmel Singh accused the government of trying to pacify the family with job offers, calling it an attempt to divert attention from justice.
Shocking Photo Emerges
A disturbing photograph of the late officer has surfaced online, showing Puran Kumar’s body inside a soundproof room in the basement of his Chandigarh residence. The image depicts blood on his head, nose, and mouth, a pistol in his right hand, and a blanket covering his body. The photo has sparked renewed anger and demands for justice across the nation.
Legal Action and SC/ST Act Strengthened
The Chandigarh Police have now added tougher charges under Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act, which carries life imprisonment and fine, replacing the earlier lighter charge under Section 3(1)(r) (up to 5 years imprisonment).
Political and Administrative Responses
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria described the case as a matter of grave concern, calling for a thorough legal probe. An FIR has been lodged naming 14–15 senior officers, including Haryana DGP Shatrughan Kapoor and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya.
Kataria emphasized that due legal process must be followed before action against high-ranking officials. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of six members has been constituted to ensure an impartial investigation.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, stressing that no one stands above the law. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini assured that whoever is guilty will face consequences, regardless of position or rank.
Candlelight Marches Across Punjab
In solidarity with the movement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organized peaceful candlelight marches across several cities in Punjab:
Amritsar: Bhandari Pul to Hall Gate (led by Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO)
Jalandhar: Corporation Chowk to Lav Kush Chowk (led by Minister Mohinder Bhagat)
Patiala: Sherawala Gate to OM Max Mall (led by MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann)
Bathinda: Fire Brigade Chowk to Hanuman Chowk (led by MLA Jagroop Singh Gill)
Ludhiana: Aarti Chowk to Bharat Nagar Chowk (led by MLA Madan Lal Bagga)
Upcoming Protests
Dalit organizations, headed by Chaudhary Yashpal, have warned of highway blockades at Jalandhar bypass in Ludhiana on October 15 if the state government fails to act.
The resolutions passed by the Panchayat will be forwarded through the Chandigarh Administration to the Punjab Governor and the Administrator, demanding justice and accountability.
Background
Y. Puran Kumar, a senior IPS officer of Haryana, ended his life on October 7 at his home — House No. 116, Sector 11, Chandigarh. In his suicide note, he mentioned facing prolonged caste-based discrimination and workplace harassment.
His death has exposed deep-rooted caste bias within the police and administrative systems, leading to nationwide protests and political pressure for reforms.
