Haryana’s law enforcement establishment has been shaken by two shocking suicides within just a week — the first involving Y Puran Kumar, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, and the second, the alleged suicide of Sandeep Kumar Lathar, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). The unfolding chain of events has laid bare a complex and explosive mix of allegations: systemic corruption, harassment within the police hierarchy, caste discrimination, and internal power struggles at high levels of state administration.
On Tuesday, October 14, ASI Lathar, 41, was found dead from a gunshot wound at a room in Ladhot village near his posting in Rohtak. Investigators believe he allegedly used his service revolver to end his life. His death came just seven days after IPS officer Puran Kumar, posted as Inspector General (IG) of Rohtak Range, died by suicide at his residence in Chandigarh, a case already mired in political and administrative controversy.
Adding to the gravity, a 6.26-minute video and a handwritten note purportedly left behind by ASI Lathar have gone viral. In these, he accuses senior officers — specifically naming the late IG Puran Kumar — of deep-seated corruption, including taking bribes to remove accused persons’ names from serious criminal cases.
The new suicide has triggered fresh outrage, intensified the forensic probe already underway, and placed enormous pressure on the Haryana government to respond decisively.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Second Suicide
The sudden death of ASI Sandeep Lathar cannot be viewed in isolation. It is intricately connected to the earlier death of IG Puran Kumar, whose death set off a storm of allegations involving caste-based harassment and corruption at high levels of the state’s police apparatus.
- October 7, 2025: IPS officer Puran Kumar dies by suicide at his residence in Chandigarh. His “final note” and his wife’s subsequent complaint accuse senior officials, including the state Director General of Police (DGP), of harassment allegedly linked to his Dalit identity. His death sparks protests, political condemnation, and a major inquiry.
- October 14, 2025: Just one week later, ASI Sandeep Lathar is found dead at Ladhot village near Rohtak after allegedly shooting himself with his service revolver.
- Post-incident: A video message and note surface, in which Lathar blames the same senior IPS officer, Puran Kumar, for his despair — alleging corruption, not caste bias, was the core issue.
This juxtaposition — an IPS officer claiming caste-based harassment and a junior officer accusing the same IPS officer of corruption — has created a complex and politically charged situation in Haryana.
Who Was ASI Sandeep Kumar Lathar?
ASI Sandeep Lathar hailed from Julana village in Jind district. At 41, he was a mid-level police officer with a reputation for diligence and a decade-long service record. He was posted in Rohtak district and known locally for his involvement in several major criminal investigations. Colleagues described him as “principled” and “direct,” though also “under pressure” in recent months due to his involvement in sensitive cases.
On Tuesday afternoon, he was discovered in a room at Ladhot village, a short distance from his duty station. The weapon used in the incident was his service revolver. By the time colleagues arrived, he had succumbed to his injuries.
Police teams cordoned off the area immediately. Forensic experts recovered a handwritten note and obtained access to the video circulating online, which is now under forensic examination.
The Viral Video: Explosive Allegations Against Senior Officer
A 6.26-minute video purportedly recorded by Lathar before his death has become a central piece of evidence in the case. In the video, he directly names the late IPS officer, accusing him of taking bribes in serious criminal matters.
“He [Puran Kumar] took bribes to exclude the names of accused from cases as serious as murder,” Lathar allegedly says in the clip.
He claims to have witnessed a pattern of case manipulation in which names of influential accused were removed from First Information Reports (FIRs) or investigation notes in exchange for illicit payments. He states he could “no longer bear to see this corruption” and that his act was a sacrifice for honesty, invoking the legacy of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
Crucially, Lathar emphasizes in his video that, contrary to the claims surrounding Puran Kumar’s own suicide, “this is not about caste.” Lathar, who belongs to the Jat community, alleges the core issue was corruption and power struggles — not caste discrimination.
Allegations of a Corruption-Extortion Nexus
The backdrop to the allegations involves a corruption-cum-extortion case registered in Rohtak recently, in which a head constable was caught collecting money from a liquor businessman.
According to investigative reports:
- A local liquor contractor, Praveen Bansal, filed a complaint about extortion by a police head constable.
- A trap was laid and Sushil Kumar, a head constable, was allegedly caught accepting bribes.
- The accused head constable reportedly told investigators that the money was intended for Puran Kumar, then the Inspector General of Rohtak Range.
- ASI Lathar was part of the police team that caught the head constable during the operation.
In his purported note and video, Lathar claims that after the extortion case surfaced, he faced intimidation and internal pressure. He accuses “some IAS officers” of supporting corrupt officials and trying to “sideline the DGP and others to continue their corrupt ways.”
This is a critical layer in the story. While Puran Kumar in his note said he was being persecuted because of his caste, Lathar claims the persecution was rooted in corruption and power rivalries.
Puran Kumar’s Suicide and Allegations of Harassment
A week earlier, IPS officer Y Puran Kumar died by suicide in Chandigarh. In his final note, he accused senior officers, including Shatrujeet Kapur, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana, of harassment allegedly tied to his Dalit identity.
His wife, Amneet P Kumar — an IAS officer — filed a formal complaint reinforcing these allegations and naming senior figures in the state’s police hierarchy. She claimed her husband was systematically targeted because he was a Dalit officer in a position of power.
The case rapidly escalated into a political flashpoint:
- The state’s BJP-led government headed by Nayab Singh Saini sent the DGP on leave.
- The case is being investigated by the Chandigarh Police.
- FIR sections include provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, making it a highly sensitive and high-profile case.
- Massive political and social mobilization followed, with Dalit leaders calling it an example of caste oppression at high levels of governance.
Contradictory Narratives: Caste vs. Corruption
The two suicides have presented authorities with conflicting narratives:
- Puran Kumar’s Note: Alleges harassment because of caste identity (Dalit). Blames senior officers, including the DGP. Sparks protests, political intervention, and legal action under SC/ST Act.
- Lathar’s Video and Note: Denies caste angle. Alleges systemic corruption involving Puran Kumar himself. Portrays his suicide as a protest against corrupt practices and the subversion of justice.
The forensic investigation must now determine:
- The authenticity of Lathar’s video and note;
- Whether the extortion allegations have verifiable evidence linking them to the late IG;
- Whether any coercion, pressure, or other elements contributed to his death.
This duality — caste discrimination versus corruption allegations — has complicated the legal and political landscape.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Police Statement
Rohtak Superintendent of Police Surendra Singh Bhoria confirmed that a forensic investigation is underway:
“A forensic investigation is underway after which we will share more details.”
Investigators have seized Lathar’s service revolver, retrieved his personal mobile phone, examined the location of the shooting, and initiated procedures to verify the digital authenticity of the video and note.
Administrative and Political Response
The Haryana government has ordered that the two cases be investigated separately but with close coordination, given their proximity in time and the overlap of names involved. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Police continues to probe the circumstances of Puran Kumar’s death.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reiterated that “no one will be spared, irrespective of their position.”
“We will ensure a fair and impartial investigation. There will be no compromise when it comes to accountability,” he said in a brief statement.
Political Fallout and Dalit Mobilization
The death of Puran Kumar has ignited political reactions far beyond Haryana’s borders. Opposition parties and Dalit leaders have seized upon the incident as evidence of systemic caste discrimination in government institutions.
On Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the late IPS officer’s family in Chandigarh. Speaking after the meeting, he said:
“This incident has sent a wrong message to Dalits — that no matter how successful you are, if you are Dalit, you can still be crushed.”
He added that the case was “not just about one officer’s respect, but about the dignity of an entire community.”
Other leaders who have met the family include:
- Union Minister Ramdas Athawale
- MP Chandrashekhar Azad
- Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
The body of the late officer remains in the mortuary as the family has refused post-mortem or cremation until strict action is taken against the accused senior officers. The issue has escalated into a major Dalit rights movement in the region, with protests in several towns.
Legal Implications
The dual cases present complex legal challenges. On one hand, the SC/ST Act and allegations of caste harassment elevate the case to a high-stakes legal battle involving powerful figures. On the other, the emergence of extortion and corruption allegations in Lathar’s note could expose possible criminal conduct at the highest levels of the police hierarchy.
Potential legal elements involved:
- Abetment of suicide charges (under IPC) in both cases.
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provisions in the IPS officer’s death.
- Possible corruption charges if allegations in Lathar’s note are substantiated.
- Forensic and cyber evidence analysis to verify the authenticity of the recordings and documents.
The outcome of forensic reports on Lathar’s video and note will be pivotal in shaping future legal and political narratives.
Internal Police Dynamics and Power Struggles
This case also highlights the fraught internal dynamics of the Haryana police hierarchy. Rivalries, caste identities, corruption allegations, and political affiliations often intersect in unpredictable ways.
Senior officers privately acknowledge that tensions between IPS officers and mid-level ranks have grown in recent years over promotions, disciplinary procedures, and corruption allegations. Puran Kumar’s rise as a Dalit officer to the position of IG was viewed as both symbolic and politically sensitive.
Lathar’s allegations suggest an alternative view of events — that Kumar was himself enmeshed in corrupt practices, using power to shield individuals accused of serious crimes. If substantiated, these claims could fundamentally shift the narrative of the first case.
The Role of Technology: Forensic and Digital Evidence
Modern forensic methods will play a crucial role in this investigation:
- Video Forensics: Specialists will analyze the metadata, file creation time, editing traces, and location data associated with Lathar’s video message.
- Handwriting and Document Examination: Experts will authenticate the “final note” reportedly written by Lathar.
- Ballistic Analysis: The revolver and bullet trajectory will confirm the manner of death.
- Digital Traceability: Investigators will map the circulation of the video through encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, attempting to determine its original dissemination point.
These forensic steps are essential not only for securing convictions but also for ensuring credibility in the court of public opinion.
Public and Civil Society Response
The double tragedy has unsettled both the police force and the wider public. Civil society organizations, anti-corruption activists, and Dalit rights groups have issued statements demanding:
- Independent judicial inquiry led by a retired judge to avoid institutional bias.
- Protection of whistleblowers and witnesses, especially those linked to the extortion case.
- Transparency in the probe, including publication of forensic results.
- Reforms in police oversight mechanisms, arguing that internal investigations often end up shielding senior officers.
Activists have also called attention to the mental health pressures faced by law enforcement officers working in high-stakes environments.
Mental Health and Policing: A Silent Crisis
Behind the sensational headlines lies a quieter issue: the mental health of police personnel. Officers at all levels operate under immense stress, often with little institutional support. Repeated exposure to violence, political pressure, bureaucratic rivalries, and personal risk can take a heavy toll.
Mental health experts point out:
- Suicides among police officers in India have risen steadily in the last decade.
- The stigma around seeking psychological support remains strong.
- Senior officers may face even greater pressure due to public scrutiny, media attention, and political expectations.
Both Puran Kumar and Sandeep Lathar appear to have left behind personal notes or messages — a common feature in suicide cases linked to institutional stress. Experts say this underscores the urgent need for mental health interventions within the police system.
Political Stakes: Haryana’s Government Under Pressure
The Haryana BJP government finds itself walking a political tightrope. On one side, powerful Dalit organizations and opposition parties are rallying around the narrative of caste oppression. On the other, Lathar’s suicide and corruption allegations threaten to undermine that narrative and potentially implicate senior officers and bureaucrats.
The government’s immediate actions — sending the DGP on leave, promising strict action, and supporting forensic probes — are seen as attempts to balance competing pressures.
However, public trust in the investigation remains fragile. Any perception of bias or delay could lead to widespread protests, especially among Dalit groups and opposition parties seeking to leverage the issue politically ahead of upcoming elections.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead
- Forensic Results Pending
The forensic analysis of Lathar’s video and note is expected to be crucial. If authenticated, the corruption allegations could widen the scope of the probe significantly. - Multiple Investigations
- Chandigarh Police is investigating Puran Kumar’s death.
- Haryana Police and forensic teams are handling Lathar’s death.
- Coordination between the two investigations will be key.
- Judicial and Political Oversight
Given the political sensitivity, the government may consider appointing a judicial commission or requesting monitoring by the High Court. - Potential Legal Battles
If evidence emerges supporting the corruption allegations, multiple officers could face criminal charges. If not, the caste harassment narrative may dominate legal and political discourse. - Repercussions in Police Force
Morale within the Haryana Police is already reported to be low. A prolonged high-profile inquiry could further deepen divisions and mistrust within the ranks.
A Crisis at the Intersection of Power, Caste, and Corruption
The twin tragedies of October 2025 have exposed fault lines at the heart of Haryana’s law enforcement system. They touch upon three interwoven issues:
- Institutional Corruption: Allegations of bribery to manipulate criminal investigations.
- Caste Discrimination: Claims of systemic harassment of a Dalit officer.
- Mental Health and Systemic Stress: The toll of institutional pressures on officers.
Whichever narrative — or combination of narratives — is eventually substantiated by the investigations, the case has already left an indelible mark on public perception of the police and governance in Haryana.
For the families of the deceased officers, this is not just a political or legal saga — it is a personal tragedy marked by loss, anger, and a demand for accountability. For the state government, it is a high-stakes test of governance, transparency, and justice.
Conclusion
The deaths of ASI Sandeep Lathar and IPS officer Y Puran Kumar within a week have unleashed a storm of controversy that is still gathering force. They have thrown into sharp relief the tensions within the police force, the potent mix of caste and corruption politics, and the fragility of institutional trust.
The investigation’s credibility — especially the forensic examination of evidence and the impartial handling of both narratives — will determine whether this moment becomes a turning point for accountability or another episode in India’s long, troubled history of politicized justice.
As the state waits for answers, one thing is already clear: this is no longer merely an administrative issue. It has become a litmus test for Haryana’s political and legal institutions — and for the country’s broader fight against both caste discrimination and corruption.
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