Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar found dead at Chandigarh home; police suspect suicide
Senior Haryana cadre IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, serving as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), was found dead at his official residence in Chandigarh’s Sector 11 on Tuesday. Preliminary investigations suggest that the officer allegedly shot himself with his service revolver.
Officer found dead at Sector 11 residence
The tragic incident came to light around 1.30 p.m. after Chandigarh Police received information from House No. 116, Sector 11. “An information regarding a reported suicide was received from House No 116, Sector 11, Chandigarh, around 1.30 PM today,” confirmed Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, adding that, “The deceased has been identified as Puran Kumar, IPS (2001 batch), Haryana cadre. The CFSL team is at the spot, and further investigation is underway.”
Police teams rushed to the site and cordoned off the area, while forensic experts commenced an on-site examination. The weapon reportedly used in the act has been recovered. According to officials, Kumar was discovered in the soundproof basement of his home by his daughter. Reports suggest that he had taken the firearm from a gunman the previous day.
Wife on official visit to Japan
At the time of the incident, Kumar’s wife, Amneet P Kumar, a senior IAS officer, was not present at the residence. She is currently in Japan as part of an official delegation led by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Amneet, who serves as Commissioner in the Secretary Foreign Cooperation Department, is expected to return to India on Wednesday morning.
Recent transfer before death
Kumar, a 2001-batch officer of the Haryana cadre, was recently transferred on 25 September from his post as Additional Director General of Police (Rohtak Range) to the Police Training Centre in Sunaria, Rohtak. The facility is known for housing Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a sentence in sexual assault and other criminal cases.
Sources said Kumar had been serving as Inspector-General at the training centre at the time of his death. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the police fraternity, prompting several senior officers from Haryana Police and the Chandigarh administration to visit his residence.
Cause yet to be determined
Police officials stated that no suicide note has been recovered from the scene. “An inquiry has been initiated. We are collecting evidence and recording statements of family members and staff. The cause of the incident will be determined after further investigation,” a senior police officer said.
Authorities are examining whether professional stress or personal issues may have played a role in the tragedy. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and a detailed report is awaited.
Y Puran Kumar was widely regarded as a respected and upright officer during his tenure in the Haryana Police, having held several significant positions over his distinguished career.
(Attention: Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Those struggling with mental health issues should seek help from professionals. The 'Disha' helpline provides free counselling and support services. Dial toll-free helpline number: 1056 or 0471-2552056)