PM Modi’s Sonipat rally postponed as Haryana reels from IPS officer Puran Kumar’s suicide and alleged casteist harassment of Dalit officers.
BY PC Bureau
CHANDIGARH: A major rally in Sonipat to mark the first anniversary of the Nayab Singh Saini government, originally scheduled for Friday and set to feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been postponed in the wake of deepening tensions following the alleged caste-based harassment leading to the suicide of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar.
According to multiple sources, the decision to postpone the ‘Jan Vishwas–Jan Vikas’ rally came after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviewed the arrangements at the Sonipat venue. The rally, expected to showcase the state government’s achievements, was overshadowed by growing protests, opposition support for the deceased officer’s family, and pressure from Dalit rights groups.
In a significant development, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, visited the family of Puran Kumar to offer support. He met Amneet P. Kumar, the officer’s wife and IAS officer, and expressed solidarity with their demand for accountability. Sources say Gandhi assured the family that the alleged casteist harassment and institutional lapses leading to her husband’s death must be thoroughly investigated.
वाई पूरन कुमार जी की पत्नी एक सर्विंग ऑफिसर हैं और हम सब जानते हैं कि उनपर कैसे दबाव बनाया जा सकता है।
इसलिए इस मामले में जल्द से जल्द कार्रवाई हो, दोषी अफसरों के खिलाफ एक्शन लिया जाए और उन्हें गिरफ्तार किया जाए।
: नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi
📍चंडीगढ़ pic.twitter.com/c5pRVPFNEQ
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 14, 2025
The family has publicly demanded action against Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak SP, citing harassment and abetment. For over six days, they have refused consent for the autopsy, intensifying pressure on the state government. The top brass, including Chief Principal Secretary Rajesh Khullar, met with the family, but the deadlock remains unresolved.
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In response to mounting pressure, the Haryana government has taken several steps. Director General of Police Shatrujeet Singh Kapur has been sent on leave, and Om Parkash Singh has been appointed as the acting DGP. However, the delay in conducting the postmortem examination has raised concerns. The family has refused consent for the autopsy until action is taken against the accused officers, leading to a deadlock
CM Saini, who had initially set off for a tour in New Delhi and Nuh, cut short his trip and returned to Chandigarh overnight to personally monitor the situation. “Officers were supposed to attend a briefing by SPG and other central agencies ahead of the PM’s visit, but we have been informed to put it on hold. Final confirmation is awaited,” said a senior government official.
The postponement of the rally, which was intended as a celebration of the state government’s first year, underscores the growing political and social fallout from the tragic incident. With protests intensifying and opposition parties rallying behind the family, the state administration faces mounting pressure to act swiftly and transparently.
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This incident has brought to light the persistent issues of caste-based discrimination within India’s administrative services. The allegations against senior officers and the subsequent actions—or lack thereof—have sparked debates about accountability and the need for systemic reforms. The involvement of political leaders from various states indicates the national significance of the issue and the demand for justice.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the Haryana government’s next steps. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future and determine the state’s commitment to upholding justice and equality within its institutions.
