CHANDIGARH: In view of protests following the suicide of senior Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, government on Monday night sounded an alert in the entire state to ensure law and order and maintain communal harmony, directing all field officers and staff to remain fully prepared for any situation.The directives were issued by general administration dept (political branch) on behalf of chief secretary to additional chief secretary (home), Haryana DGP, all police commissioners, IGPs and DCs/SPs of all districts for compliance with these directions.”With reference to recent incidents emerging after the unfortunate demise of Late Y Puran Kumar, lPS, there is an urgent need to maintain strict vigil and ensure communal harmony across all districts and divisions,” state government’s letter stated. “All officers concerned are hereby directed to maintain close coordination with local organizations and community leaders, monitor the situation continuously, and initiate all measures required to uphold peace and public order. Any developments having potential to disturb harmony should be addressed promptly, and timely reports may be furnished for review,” government’s letter stated.Protests against the suicide have been erupting across the state, even as the ‘deadline’ set by a 31-member committee fighting for justice to Puran Kumar’s family ends Tuesday. On Sunday, the committee gave an ultimatum to Chandigarh administration and Haryana governmento take action as per demand of the deceased officer’s family or face protests.In a related development, Haryana Police Association (Constable and Head Constable) would hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon in Chandigarh on Puran Kumar’s death, said Dinesh Siwach, a senior office-bearer.Meanwhile, the Punjab Scheduled Castes Commission expressed dissatisfaction over the report submitted by the SIT in the case. The Chandigarh Police submitted a report to the state SC Commission on action taken so far in the case, stating that an SIT had been constituted and the investigation was in progress.On Monday, the SIT sent another request letter to his wife, IAS officer Amneet Kumar, to give consent for a postmortem. The SIT has sent repeated reminders to Amneet requesting approval to conduct an autopsy after completing the formality of identifying the body. On Sunday, the IAS officer turned down an official request.Revenue officers’ stirIn the IPS suicide case, not only social organisations but also officers’ unions have now come out in support of the late officer and his family. The executive body of the Haryana Revenue Officers’ Association (HROA) on Monday announced a one-day mass leave on October 13, as a mark of solidarity and to express grief over the tragic demise of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar.Members of the association also visited his residence in Chandigarh to offer condolences and pay their respects.
