Sonia Gandhi writes to Haryana police officer's wife after his suicide, slams ‘biased attitude of those in power’

Sonia Gandhi

The suicide of senior Haryana Police officer Y Puran Kumar has triggered a political storm, with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi writing to the wife of Kumar and extending her condolences to the bereaved family while also criticising what she described as the “prejudiced and biased attitude of those in power."

In the letter to the officer’s wife, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi wrote, "The news of the tragic death of your husband and senior IPS officer, Y Puran Kumar, in a tragic accident is both shocking and deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family in this time of immense difficulty."

The late officer’s wife, Amneet P Kumar, who is a senior IAS officer posted in Haryana, has alleged that her husband was subjected to caste-based harassment and mental torture by senior officials, which eventually pushed him towards the extreme step.

In her letter written in Hindi, Gandhi further said, "The passing of Y Puran Kumar will remind us that even today, the prejudiced and biased attitude of those in power deprives even the most senior officials of social justice. I and millions of our countrymen stand with you on this path to justice."

She added, "I pray to God to grant you patience, courage, and strength in this difficult situation."

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati also reacted strongly to the incident. Calling it a matter of “national shame,” she said the episode highlights how caste-based discrimination continues to plague India’s administrative machinery.

Y Puran Kumar, an IPS officer of Inspector General rank, was found dead at his Chandigarh residence on October 7. A purported suicide note, that had named several officials, was recovered from the spot and has fueled a political and social outcry, as it reportedly refers to caste-based victimisation by senior colleagues.