Tragedy shocks police and civil services; no suicide note found, probe on
CHANDIGARH: In a shocking incident that has shocked Haryana’s police and administrative circles, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Y Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, was found dead at his official residence in Sector 11, Chandigarh, on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the 48-year-old officer allegedly died by suicide using his service revolver.
The incident came to light around 1:30 pm when a distress call was received about a gunshot from House No. 116. According to initial reports, Kumar’s daughter, who was at home, discovered his body in the soundproof basement and informed the authorities. He was declared dead on the spot, and his body was later taken to PGIMER, Chandigarh, for post-mortem examination.
Speaking to the media, Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said, “A report was received about a suicide at Sector 11. The deceased has been identified as IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, Haryana cadre. The CFSL team is examining the site, and investigation is underway.”
No suicide note was recovered from the scene, and police are scanning Kumar’s phone and personal documents for possible clues. The service revolver used in the incident has been seized for forensic analysis.
At the time of the incident, Kumar was alone at home. His wife, Amneet P Kumar, a 2005-batch IAS officer and Additional Chief Secretary (Foreign Cooperation Department, Haryana), is currently abroad with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s delegation in Japan. She is expected to return to India on Wednesday morning.
Kumar’s death marks a tragic end to a distinguished 24-year-long police career. Known as an honest and upright officer, he had served in several key positions, including Inspector General (IG) of Rohtak Range until last month. Recently, on September 25, he was transferred as IG, Police Training Centre (PTC), Sunaria, Rohtak.
The PTC also oversees Sunaria Jail, which houses high-profile convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief serving life imprisonment for rape and murder.
Kumar had recently been in the news for raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the Haryana Police. He had written to Chief Minister Saini seeking action against former DGP Manoj Yadav, accusing him of favoritism and irregular promotions of junior officers. His bold stand earned him respect from some quarters but may have also created professional stress, colleagues said.
Sources said Kumar had borrowed his service revolver from his gunman on Monday, a detail that is now part of the ongoing investigation.
News of the officer’s death spread quickly, leading to an outpouring of grief from the police and civil services. Haryana DGP Gobind Singh Kanda and several senior officers rushed to the residence.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep sorrow and called Kumar “a pillar of strength for the police force,” assuring a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of his death.
Colleagues described Kumar as “a man of principles” and “a symbol of integrity in uniform.” Many senior officers took to social media to pay tribute, calling his passing “a great loss to the police fraternity.”
The incident has once again highlighted the mental health crisis among police officers. Over the last decade, more than 200 suicides have been reported in the Indian police services, often linked to stress, long working hours, and isolation.
A retired IPS officer remarked, “This tragedy is a wake-up call. The mental well-being of officers needs serious attention before it’s too late.”
The Chandigarh Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now examining call records, forensic evidence, and statements of family and staff to determine the circumstances leading to Kumar’s death.
As the probe continues, the officer’s family and colleagues are left mourning a life dedicated to public service — one that ended far too soon.
(If you or someone you know is in distress, help is available. In India, contact AASRA at 9820466726 or call the national mental health helpline at 104. Suicide is preventable — seek help.)
