CHANDIGARH: A major celebratory rally in Sonipat to mark one year of the Nayab Singh Saini government in Haryana, which was set to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been abruptly postponed. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions and protests surrounding the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar.
The “Jan Vishwas-Jan Vikas” rally, scheduled for this Friday, has been put on hold as the controversy surrounding the IPS officer’s death deepens. The event was overshadowed by the deadlock between the state government and the officer’s family, led by his wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar.
Deadlock Over Suicide Allegations
IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s death is currently mired in serious allegations of casteist harassment by senior officers, a claim vehemently put forth by his family. For over six days, the family has reportedly refused to give consent for the officer’s autopsy, demanding action against Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and other senior figures.
Top state government officials, including Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, have met with the bereaved family in an attempt to resolve the matter, but the impasse remains. The growing support from opposition parties and Dalit pressure groups for Amneet P Kumar has further intensified the political pressure on the Nayab Singh Saini administration.
CM Saini Cuts Short Tour
In a clear indication of the crisis’s severity, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini cut short his pre-scheduled tour. After a meeting, Saini, who was initially heading to New Delhi and planning to attend an event in Nuh on Tuesday, returned to Chandigarh midway through his journey on Monday night.
A senior government official informed TOI that officers were notified to “put on hold” the preparations, including a briefing by central officers from SPG and other agencies for the Prime Minister’s high-profile visit, while they awaited final official confirmation. The unfolding tragedy and its political fallout have ultimately cast a pall over what was meant to be a showcase of the Saini government’s one-year achievements.
