Rohtak: The suicide case of senior Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar continues to widen in scope, bringing in new dimensions of caste conflict, administrative action, and political tension. What began as a tragic death has now evolved into a complex case involving allegations of Dalit oppression, high-level police reshuffles, and rising protests from both Dalit and Jat communities.
Case Registered Under SC/ST Act, SP Transferred
- Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer holding the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), died by suicide on October 7. His wife, 2001-batch IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, has filed serious allegations of caste-based harassment against senior officers, prompting the registration of an FIR under provisions of the SC/ST Act.
Following public pressure and representations made by the deceased officer’s family, Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya (IPS-2005 batch) was transferred. In his place, Surinder Singh Bhoria (IPS-2014 batch) has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police of Rohtak.
Jat Factor Emerges: Khap Panchayats Protest Sudden Action
However, the transfer of SP Bijarniya has triggered fresh controversy. Several Khap Panchayats, village leaders, student bodies, and trade organizations gathered at Mansarovar Park in Rohtak on Sunday to protest what they termed as “unilateral action” against the officer.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to district officials, demanding that no officer be punished without a proper and impartial investigation. The Khaps argued that SP Bijarniya was not given an opportunity to present his side, and emphasized that his tenure in Rohtak had strengthened law and order.
Ahlawat Khap: “No Innocent Should Be Made a Scapegoat”
Jai Singh Ahlawat, speaking on behalf of the Ahlawat Khap, said, “The suicide of a senior IPS officer is indeed tragic, and justice must be served. However, ensuring that no innocent officer becomes a scapegoat is equally important. SP Bijarniya should have been allowed to respond to the allegations before any punitive action was taken.”
Another Khap leader added,
“We’ve heard that SP Bijarniya was transferred without any preliminary investigation. This sends a wrong message and creates unrest in the community.”
Caste Tensions Escalating: From Dalit to Jat Mobilization
What began as a Dalit-led agitation, led by activists and the Valmiki community, has now taken on broader caste dimensions, with the Jat community entering the fray. While Dalit groups demand justice for caste-based harassment, Jat leaders and Khaps now demand justice for an officer they believe has been unfairly targeted.
The Haryana government is now caught in a politically and socially sensitive situation — needing to maintain public confidence, uphold legal due process, and manage rising inter-community tensions.
Call for Balanced and Fair Investigation
Both sides — the grieving family and the protesting Khaps — are now demanding the same fundamental thing: a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation. The family of the late IPS officer demands accountability for systemic harassment. Meanwhile, supporters of SP Bijarniya argue that no administrative decision should be taken under political or emotional pressure.
The Khap Panchayats concluded their meeting by stating –
“If any officer is guilty, he must be punished. But if he is not, he should be given a clean chit and reinstated with respect.”
What’s Next for the Government?
With protests from both Dalit and Jat communities, and growing scrutiny from officers’ associations, the Haryana government faces increasing pressure to handle the case delicately and judiciously. How it balances caste sensitivities with administrative accountability in the coming days will shape the narrative of this high-profile and politically charged case.
