Haryana Removes IPS Shatrujeet Kapur as DGP, Names O.P. Singh as Officiating Police Chief
Two months after sending him on leave amid a storm of controversy, the Haryana government on Monday formally relieved IPS officer Shatrujeet Kapur of the...
Two months after sending him on leave amid a storm of controversy, the Haryana government on Monday formally relieved IPS officer Shatrujeet Kapur of the charge of Director General of Police (DGP). The move comes in the wake of the death of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, an incident that triggered political backlash and raised serious allegations within the police hierarchy.
The state has appointed O.P. Singh as the officiating DGP with immediate effect, according to an official order. Mr. Singh had already been handling the additional charge of the post since October, following Mr. Kapur’s leave.
Interim Arrangement, Permanent Appointment Pending
Government sources indicated that the arrangement is temporary. The Haryana government is expected to soon forward a panel of eligible senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the appointment of a full-time State police chief. This step is necessary as Mr. Singh, a 1992-batch IPS officer, is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2025.
Mr. Kapur, a 1990-batch IPS officer, will continue in his role as Chairman of the Haryana Police Housing Corporation in Panchkula. An engineering graduate by training, he was appointed DGP in August 2023.
Background: Death of IPS Officer Sparks Uproar
The leadership change is closely linked to the death of Y. Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, who was found dead on October 7. The incident sparked intense scrutiny after an eight-page note, purportedly written by Mr. Kumar, surfaced.
In the note, he alleged caste-based discrimination, sustained mental harassment, public humiliation and misconduct by several senior officers, including then DGP Shatrujeet Kapur. These allegations led to widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society, who demanded accountability at the highest levels of the police force.
Amid mounting pressure, the state government first transferred Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya and subsequently sent Mr. Kapur on leave on October 14.
Assurances of Fair Probe
Mr. Kumar’s wife, IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, initially withheld consent for a post-mortem. She later agreed after assurances from the Chandigarh Police regarding an impartial investigation and a commitment from the Haryana government that action would be taken against any officials found responsible.
Officials maintain that investigations are ongoing and that the government will act based on the findings.
Why This Matters
The episode has placed a spotlight on internal accountability within the police force and the sensitive issue of workplace discrimination in uniformed services. Analysts say the decision to relieve the DGP signals the state’s attempt to restore public confidence in law enforcement while ensuring administrative continuity.
The choice of the next permanent DGP is expected to be closely watched, both for its impact on policing reforms and for the message it sends about institutional responsibility and transparency 🚨.