Varun Chaudhry Demands Accountability in IPS Officer’s Suicide Case

Congress Member of Parliament Varun Chaudhry has called for heightened accountability regarding the death of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Y Puran Kumar, who was found dead at his residence in Chandigarh on October 7, 2023. In a news briefing on Friday, Chaudhry outlined three primary demands, urging the inclusion of the names of the officials involved in the case in the First Information Report (FIR), the oversight of the investigation by a sitting High Court judge, and the provision of security for the deceased officer’s family.

Chaudhry expressed his concerns about the investigation process, stating, “I had three demands… The two prime accused, DGP Haryana and SSP Rohtak, should have their names displayed in the FIR. Secondly, for the inquiry to be fair, the chairmanship of the high court should be represented by a sitting judge, and third, the family members should be provided security.” His remarks highlight the urgency for transparency in the proceedings and accountability for the senior officers implicated in the case.

In response to the serious allegations surrounding Y Puran Kumar‘s death, the Chandigarh Police has formed a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). This team will operate under the guidance of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pushpendra Kumar. The SIT is tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances leading to the officer’s death, which has raised significant public concern.

The FIR was lodged against Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Singh Kapur and Rohtak SSP Narendra Bijarniya based on a complaint submitted by Amneet Puran Kumar, the wife of the deceased officer. It includes allegations of abetment to suicide and caste-based harassment, citing violations of various legal statutes, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.

The FIR was registered at the Police Station Sector 11 under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the serious nature of the charges. The SIT, led by IGP Pushpendra Kumar, also comprises several other police officers, including SSP Kanwardeep Kaur and SPICity KM Priyanka. Additional experts may be brought in as needed to facilitate a thorough investigation, encompassing evidence collection and witness examination.

Chaudhry’s demands highlight the necessity for the administration to act decisively and transparently. The ongoing investigation serves as a critical juncture for justice, not only for Y Puran Kumar but also for his grieving family. As the situation develops, the effectiveness and integrity of the SIT will be crucial in addressing the allegations made against senior officials and restoring public confidence in the police force.