Facing mounting political and social pressure, the Haryana government led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reportedly sent Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on leave. This decision comes in the wake of serious allegations made in connection with the recent suicide of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar.
Kumar’s tragic death, which shook both administrative and political establishments, was accompanied by a nine-page suicide note in which he named DGP Kapur, Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarnia, and several other senior IAS and IPS officers. The note alleged systemic harassment, biased administrative practices, and caste-based discrimination.
An FIR was registered after the suicide, and while SP Bijarnia has already been removed from his post, the move to relieve Kapur of his duties is seen as a stronger response from the government, likely aimed at addressing public outrage—particularly within the Dalit community. The opposition has heavily criticized the state government, accusing it of shielding officials involved in caste-based injustices.
The backlash grew further after a dispute between Kumar’s family and the government over the post-mortem process. In a possible attempt to de-escalate tensions, the government also cancelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned rally in Sonepat on October 17. The event was scheduled to mark the one-year anniversary of the Saini government.
Shatrujeet Kapur, a 1990-batch IPS officer, assumed the role of Haryana DGP on August 16, 2023. Having completed his two-year tenure, his leave is seen by many as a quiet exit amidst controversy, though the government has yet to announce a successor or officially clarify the reason for his departure.
The suicide note reportedly accuses several senior officers—serving and retired—of manipulating postings, influencing Annual Performance Reports (APRs), and engaging in discriminatory practices. Kumar, who was married to senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, is said to have faced prolonged professional distress stemming from these alleged biases.
This incident has sparked a wider debate on caste dynamics and accountability within the Indian administrative system. As investigations continue, all eyes are on the Haryana government’s next steps in ensuring justice and restoring public trust.
