Congress workers, led by former MLA and AICC secretary Chiranjeev Rao, on Monday held a protest march in Rewari seeking a high court-monitored probe into the suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. The protest was joined by representatives of social organisations and people belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs).
The march began from Rajiv Chowk and ended at the mini secretariat, where a memorandum addressed to the President of India was submitted to the Rewari Deputy Commissioner. The protesters raised slogans such as “Justice for Y Puran Kumar” and “Stop atrocities on Dalits.”
Addressing the protesters, Chiranjeev Rao said recent incidents against SCs were deeply concerning not just for Haryana but for the entire country.
“On one hand, this case has shaken the administrative system; on the other, the incident of a shoe being thrown at the Chief Justice of India inside the courtroom reflects the deteriorating state of democracy and the justice system in the country,” he said.
Rao added that if the Chief Justice of India was not safe inside a courtroom and a senior IPS officer was driven to end his life due to harassment and caste-based discrimination, it was a serious warning for Indian democracy.
He demanded that the case be probed under the supervision of the high court, that the family’s demands be fully respected, and that immediate action be taken to stop atrocities against Dalits.
District Congress Committee (Urban) president Praveen Chaudhary, Rural unit president Subhash Chhawni, District Mahila Congress president Seema Dhamija, SC Cell president Ramesh Thekedar, Bharat Singh Bawal, Charan Singh (former Sarpanch), and Ishwar Mahalawat were among those present during the protest.
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Protesters demand fair probe
Karnal: A large number of people gathered in Karnal on Monday to demand justice for ADGP Y Puran Kumar, who allegedly died by suicide. The protest was organised under the banner of ‘Samast Samajik Sansthaayein’ (all social organisations) and supported by leaders and workers from several political parties.
The protesters staged a dharna outside the mini secretariat, seeking a fair investigation to ensure justice for the officer and his family. They also mentioned the recent shoe-hurling incident involving the Chief Justice of India. Due to the protest, commuters faced traffic problems, and police had to divert routes.
The march began from Karna Park and ended at Sector 12. There, the protesters submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh. The letter, addressed to the President of India and the Governor of Haryana, expressed anger over the lack of action in the case and sought a Supreme Court-monitored probe by a sitting judge.
Members of the Scheduled Caste community and supporters from Congress, INLD, and BSP took part in the demonstration. Many carried posters of Dr BR Ambedkar, Y Puran Kumar, and the Chief Justice of India. They raised slogans against the government, demanding justice and accountability.
Parag Gaba, president of the District Urban Congress, said democracy was being weakened. He added that the unity among protesters showed people’s growing frustration with the administration’s silence. Gaba warned that if no action was taken soon, they would plan a bigger movement.
“The entire Congress family stands firmly with the family of Y Puran Kumar. We will continue to fight until justice is served,” Gaba said.
INLD leader Krishan Kumar said, “This incident has shocked the whole state. The government must conduct a fair investigation and act against those responsible.”
Rajesh Vaid, president of the District Rural Congress, added, “The government must stop shielding the guilty. We demand a transparent and impartial inquiry.”
A heavy police force was deployed outside the mini secretariat to maintain order. The protesters were not allowed to go inside but insisted on handing over their memorandum to the DC.
SDM Anubhav Mehta tried to calm the protesters, but they stayed firm on their demand. Later, DC Uttam Singh met them, received the memorandum, and assured that it would be sent to the President of India and the Governor of Haryana.