Chandigarh: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday visited the family of late IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar in Chandigarh, calling his death a “deep tragedy” and accusing the Haryana government of failing to act despite assurances of justice.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gandhi expressed strong criticism of the state administration, saying that the lack of progress in the case had caused “anguish and outrage” not only within the officer’s family but also across the Dalit community.
“It is a tragedy,” Gandhi said. “Y. Puran Kumar was a dedicated IPS officer. The Chief Minister of Haryana promised his family that justice would be done, yet three days have passed and nothing has moved. His two daughters have lost their father and are facing unbearable pressure. This silence from the authorities is unacceptable.”
The Congress leader alleged that the handling of the case reflects a larger issue of discrimination and injustice. “This incident sends a very wrong message to millions of Dalits across the country — that no matter how capable or accomplished you are, you can still be suppressed,” Gandhi remarked.
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to intervene directly in the matter. “As the Leader of Opposition, I appeal to the Prime Minister and the Haryana CM: fulfil the promises made to the daughters, allow the funeral to proceed with dignity, stop this political drama, and take strict action against the officers who are allegedly pressuring the family,” he said.
The death of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar has triggered a political storm in Haryana, with the officer’s family accusing senior bureaucrats and police officials of harassment and caste-based discrimination. A suicide note recovered from the scene reportedly names multiple senior officers, including serving and retired members of the IAS and IPS, prompting widespread outrage and calls for an impartial probe.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit comes amid mounting criticism of the state government for delaying the post-mortem and for its perceived inaction following the registration of an FIR in the case. His remarks are expected to intensify the political debate surrounding caste, accountability, and governance in Haryana ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Meanwhile, the Haryana government has stated that investigations are ongoing and that justice will be delivered “in accordance with law.” However, opposition parties continue to demand that the case be transferred to a central agency for an independent and transparent inquiry.
