"Not just family issue but matter affecting millions of Dalits": Rahul Gandhi on Haryana IPS officer 'suicide' case

Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], October 14 : Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday called for urgent action in the case of a Haryana IPS officer who recently died by suicide, stressing that the matter is not just affecting one family but "millions of Dalits" across the country.
Speaking to mediapersons in Chandigarh, Gandhi said, "They are a Dalit couple and one thing is clear that there was systematic discrimination for years to demoralise this officer and to damage his career and his reputation by other officers. This is not just a matter of one family. There are crores of Dalit brothers and sisters in the country, and they are getting the wrong message. The message that no matter how successful, intelligent, or capable you are, if you are a Dalit, you can be suppressed and thrown out. This is not acceptable for us. As the LoP, my message to PM Modi and CM Saini is that you should allow the funeral procession of the officer to take place and stop this drama. The clear message I want to give to PM Modi and CM Saini is to take action against the officers and release the pressure on this family..."
The Congres MP urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to fulfil their commitment to the officer's family by taking immediate action against the officers responsible, ensuring a fair inquiry, and providing respect to the deceased IPS officer and his family.
"He was a serving officer. The country understands what type of pressure could have been created on him. Action should be taken against these officers immediately. Arrest the officers and initiate the action. The family is getting a simple message, and they just want respect. You tried to disrespect her husband, tried to end his career and he committed suicide. At least respect him after his death, this is what the officer's wife said. This is not a matter of a family's respect; it is a matter of every Dalit family in the country. I am saying this to the Prime Minister and CM Saini that initiate actions as soon as possible," Gandhi said.
"There has been a tragedy. He is a government officer, and the Haryana CM has personally given them a commitment that he will start a free and fair inquiry and initiate action. He said this three days ago, but this commitment is not getting fulfilled. His two daughters, who lost their father, are under a lot of pressure," the Congress MP added.
Rahul Gandhi today met the family and expressed grief over the death of the Haryana IPS officer, acknowledging Puran Kumar's services and integrity in public life.

He was accompanied by several senior Haryana Congress leaders, reflecting the party's solidarity with the bereaved family, including Deepender Singh Hooda, Member of Parliament; Gaurav Moolana, senior Congress leader; Kumari Selja, former Union Minister; and Rao Dan Singh, Leader of Opposition in the Haryana Assembly.
Following the ongoing controversy, IPS Om Parkash Singh has been assigned the additional charge of Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana after DGP Shatrujeet Kapur was placed on leave following allegations surrounding the death of IPS Y Puran Kumar.
"The Governor of Haryana is pleased to assign the additional charge of DGP Haryana to Sh. Om Parkash Singh, IPS (HY:1992 RR), Managing Director, Haryana Police Housing Corporation, Panchkula, Director /FSL Madhuban and DG/ HSBNCB (H) during the leave period of Sh. Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, IPS HY:1990," an order by the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, read.
Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Police has issued a notice to IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, the widow of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, seeking the laptop belonging to her deceased husband.
According to police, the laptop is considered a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation into the IPS officer's death. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case believes that the device may hold vital information, including the original draft of the alleged suicide note found on it.
As of now, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar has not yet handed over her late husband's laptop to the investigating team.
Puran Kumar allegedly shot himself at his residence in Chandigarh on October 7. In the 'final note' he left behind, the senior officer accused eight high-ranking police officials, including Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur, of "blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities."