Chandigarh: In a high-profile development amid the ongoing controversy over the death of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, met with the grieving family in Chandigarh on Monday. He expressed condolences and pushed for a swift and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
The late IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar was found dead at his official residence on October 7. His death, reportedly by suicide, has sparked widespread concern due to the sensitive allegations raised in a purported note left behind — including the mention of several top police officials, among them Haryana’s Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur.
Speaking at a press conference following the visit, Minister Athawale emphasized the need for urgency and transparency in handling the case. “This is a tragic incident that cannot be ignored. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
Athawale highlighted that Puran Kumar, who hailed from Telangana and belonged to the Scheduled Caste community, may have been subjected to prolonged harassment and mental stress. “Despite decades of progress, caste-based discrimination continues to rear its head in different forms. It is disheartening to hear such allegations in the police force,” he remarked.
The minister also disclosed that he had a detailed conversation with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini regarding the matter. According to Athawale, the Chief Minister assured him that a fair inquiry would be conducted and legal action would follow after the postmortem is completed.
However, the deceased officer’s wife, senior IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, has not yet given her consent for the postmortem, citing lack of faith in the current investigative process. Athawale stated he would personally appeal to the family to allow the procedure, emphasizing that only a medical examination can legally initiate further steps.
“It’s important for the legal process to begin. I understand the family’s pain, but delaying the postmortem stalls justice too,” Athawale said.
The case has drawn national attention, not only due to the seniority of the officers involved but also because of the larger implications around caste-based discrimination in India’s bureaucratic system. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has already taken cognizance of the matter and launched its own inquiry.
Meanwhile, Athawale also addressed a separate incident involving the Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai, who was recently targeted in a shoe-throwing episode. The attacker reportedly expressed disdain for the Constitution and the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. Condemning the act, Athawale said, “Any insult to the Constitution or its creators is unacceptable. The judiciary deserves respect, and so does our democratic framework.”
He concluded by urging political leaders to avoid exploiting the officer’s death for partisan gain. “This is a moment to support the family and stand for justice, not play politics,” he stated.
With mounting pressure from various quarters — including civil rights bodies and senior political leaders — the Haryana government is expected to announce its next steps soon, as the demand for accountability continues to grow.
