Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) O.P. Singh addressed the media on Tuesday following the deaths of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Sandeep Lathar, two suicides that had prompted widespread speculation about falling morale within the state police. Singh firmly rejected such claims, arguing instead that misleading social media narratives were distorting the reality on the ground and creating artificial panic. He described the current atmosphere as one where "fear is being packaged and sent to America," a reference to how sensational online content generates attention and revenue for foreign platforms.
Singh clarified that the Haryana Police remained resilient and disciplined, stressing that no internal crisis existed within the force. “There are two worlds these days — social media and the real world. No one’s morale has been shattered, nothing has happened,” he said, adding that the department continues to function normally despite external chatter. His remarks came as the police investigated the death of ASI Sandeep Lathar, who allegedly took his own life after accusing the late IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar and his family of corruption. Kumar himself had been found dead at his official residence in Chandigarh on October 7, sparking controversy and political attention.
Expressing sorrow over the deaths, the DGP said, “I am deeply saddened that our two colleagues, who still had a long time ahead of them to serve the nation and the public, are no more.” However, he emphasized that the police cannot afford to lose focus or spirit. “This is a police force — our fight continues. People come and go, but how can morale break? We do not have the option to sit down and lose morale,” he asserted.
Singh also criticized the role of online platforms in amplifying fear and misinformation. “There is a world of social media that keeps frightening people. The more eyeballs they get, the more attention they receive, and that much money goes to America,” he said, warning that exaggerated claims of internal discontent could damage the institution’s credibility. He went on to call such narratives “akin to treason,” arguing that they weaken trust in public institutions.
To illustrate his point, Singh compared the situation in Haryana with that of global conflict zones, saying, “Go to Syria, Libya, Kabul — see how the morale of the police force has broken there. The morale of Haryana Police has not been broken.” His comments underscored his belief that the state’s law enforcement apparatus remains strong, structured, and committed to duty.
Referring to the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Singh reminded officers and citizens alike that everyone has the right to protect their own life and the lives of others, even with force if necessary. “We are out there protecting others’ lives. We follow the law and face those who do not value civilisation or peace. Everyone is equal for us, but if they attack us, we will strike back; we will answer a brick with a stone,” he said.
Despite his strong defence of the force’s morale, Singh acknowledged the need for introspection and preventive measures. “We are deeply distressed by these incidents and seriously thinking about how to prevent such situations in the future,” he noted. He announced plans to strengthen the Officers’ Wives’ Association to provide emotional and social support to the families of personnel. The aim, he explained, was to create an environment where officers and their families feel supported enough to avoid emotional crises.
The DGP also stressed the importance of remembering and honouring police personnel and veterans, recalling that between 1967 and 1977, the state had maintained a record of zero police casualties. He said that maintaining such discipline and well-being remained a long-term goal for the force.
Taking charge after former DGP Shatrujeet Kapur was placed on leave due to allegations connected with the Y. Puran Kumar case, Singh outlined his operational priorities. He said the department was investing in technology to enhance efficiency and ensure that capable, experienced officers are placed in key positions to maintain law and order. With the Diwali festival approaching, Singh added that the police were implementing precautionary measures to ensure public safety and maintain security during gatherings and processions.
In his closing remarks, DGP O.P. Singh reiterated that while the loss of officers is deeply painful, the Haryana Police remains undeterred. The real challenge, he cautioned, lies not within the ranks but in countering misinformation and the digital narratives that distort reality.
