Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur has found himself at the centre of a growing controversy following the tragic death of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who died by suicide earlier this week. The incident has not only cast a shadow over the state’s police leadership but also triggered widespread debate within administrative and political circles about systemic issues within the Haryana Police.
Kapur, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service officer with an illustrious career spanning over three decades, took charge as Haryana’s DGP on August 16, 2023. Known for his sharp administrative skills and strong grip on law and order management, he has previously served in several key capacities, including as the Director General of the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). During his tenure at the ACB, Kapur was credited with leading major crackdowns on corruption and overseeing investigations into several high-profile cases that enhanced the bureau’s visibility and efficiency.
An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra, from the 1983–88 batch, Kapur has held several significant assignments both within Haryana and at the national level. He has also worked with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he handled several sensitive and high-stakes cases that demanded confidentiality and precision. His contributions to national-level policing and his reputation for administrative discipline earned him recognition as one of Haryana’s most competent officers before the current controversy erupted.
The current storm surrounding Kapur began after the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who reportedly named several senior officers, including the DGP, in his suicide note. The nine-page note allegedly accused them of administrative harassment, professional bias, and caste-based discrimination. These explosive allegations have ignited a major outcry within the state, prompting calls for a transparent investigation and accountability at the highest levels of the police hierarchy.
In response to the growing uproar, reports indicate that the Haryana government is seriously considering sending DGP Kapur on leave pending further inquiry. This move is being viewed as an attempt to ensure an impartial investigation and to maintain the integrity of the inquiry process. Additionally, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohtak, Narendra Bijarnia—who has also been named in the complaint filed by Kumar’s wife—is expected to be transferred as part of a broader administrative reshuffle.
Kumar’s death has deeply shaken the Haryana Police and the bureaucratic establishment. His seniority, combined with his long record of raising concerns about caste-based bias, irregular promotions, and institutional harassment, has brought long-simmering issues within the police force to the surface. Records show that Kumar had written several letters to top state officials, including the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, detailing instances of unfair treatment and discrimination, but his concerns reportedly went unaddressed.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the accountability of senior officials and the culture of internal governance within the Haryana Police. The government’s next steps will likely determine not just the outcome of the case but also the future credibility of the state’s law enforcement leadership. The incident has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about transparency, caste discrimination, and administrative ethics within India’s policing system.
