Listen To This Post

DGP Shatrujeet Kapur sent on leave; family of late ADGP agrees to post-mortem, PM Modi’s rally cancelled

Chandigarh: The Haryana government on Tuesday appointed O P Singh, a 1992-batch IPS officer, as the state’s new Director General of Police (DGP) with additional charge, days after incumbent Shatrujeet Kapur was sent on leave following his name appearing in the FIR related to the alleged suicide of senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar.

The appointment of Singh, who is currently Director General, State Narcotics Control Bureau, comes as the Nayab Singh Saini-led government moves to stabilise the police hierarchy and signal administrative control amid rising political heat over the case.

Chief Minister’s media adviser Rajeev Jaitley confirmed the development, saying the arrangement is temporary until a final decision is taken on the DGP’s post. Kapur, a 1990-batch officer, was relieved late Sunday night after being accused, along with Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarnia, of harassment and bias in a nine-page note left by Puran Kumar.

Who is O.P. Singh

Known for his administrative discipline and field experience, O P Singh, a 1992 batch IPS officer, has previously served in key law and order assignments across the state, including as DG of the State Narcotic Control Bureau, MD Police Housing Corporation, and as Commissioner of Police, Faridabad. His current posting in the Narcotics Control Bureau had drawn praise for coordinated inter-state action on drug networks and anti-drugs mass campaigns. Officials said his appointment—though with an additional charge—was aimed at ensuring continuity and restoring confidence within the police force. Singh may be considered a steady hand during periods of political turbulence.

Initially from  Bihar’s Jamui district, O P Singh gained attention in Haryana by introducing the concept of Raahgiri (car-free, public engagement street events) as part of an anti-drug campaign. Later, the government adopted the popular Raahgiri concept. Singh also worked as a special advisor to Khattar.

Singh is the brother-in-law of the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who stayed with him during his school and college years after the death of his mother. Singh sought justice when Rajput’s death became national news.

An Arts graduate, Singh joined the IPS cadre in 1992. He served as the district police chief in several districts of Haryana. Also, he served as police commissioner in Ambala-Panchkula and Faridabad, earlier serving as inspector general in the Rewari and Hisar range. From 2004 to 2007, in the Union Ministry of Finance, Singh helped the government frame rules under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He also investigated the first case under India’s anti‑money laundering law.

From 2008‑2012, he devised and implemented the PIE or Participation, Inclusion and Excellence Model, and launched the SPAT Sports Scholarship Program under the ‘Play for India’ campaign, drawing extensive participation across the states. He later served as principal secretary of the sports department in 2020, as well.

Political pressure and PM rally cancellation

The move comes against the backdrop of intense criticism from the Opposition and protests by Dalit organisations demanding accountability in the officer’s death. The government also cancelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Sonipat, which was scheduled for October 17 to mark one year of the Saini government. The rally’s cancellation, sources said, was aimed at avoiding controversy amid the ongoing standoff with the late officer’s family. “It was important to send a signal of sensitivity and responsibility at this stage. The government could not have appeared indifferent,” said a senior BJP leader.

Family agrees to post-mortem and last rites.

With Kapur’s exit and the appointment of a new police chief, sources said the family of Y Puran Kumar, led by his wife and senior IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, has now agreed to allow the post-mortem and cremation. The family had earlier refused to cooperate until senior officers named in the FIR were removed and the probe reframed to include relevant penal sections.

Officials said the post-mortem is expected to be conducted under the supervision of a special medical board, even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Chandigarh Police continues its inquiry into the allegations.

The controversy and its fallout

The crisis began after ADGP Y Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, was found dead at his Sector 11, Chandigarh, residence last week. In his note, Kumar accused senior IPS and IAS officers, including DGP Kapur, of institutional bias and caste-based discrimination in postings and Annual Performance Reports (APRs). The FIR registered by the Chandigarh Police invoked charges of abetment to suicide under Section 306 IPC.

The incident triggered a wave of protests across Haryana, with Dalit organisations and civil rights groups demanding a judicial probe. Opposition parties, led by the Congress, accused the government of shielding senior officers. Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet Kumar’s family in Chandigarh on Tuesday.

A government under scrutiny

For the Saini government, the appointment of O.P. Singh marks an attempt to reassert control and contain political damage. However, the episode has already cast a shadow on the state’s bureaucracy and police leadership.

Kapur, who took charge as DGP on August 16, 2023, after succeeding P K Aggarwal, had completed his two-year tenure but continued at the government’s discretion. His departure and the ongoing probe are likely to shape the state’s administrative narrative in the weeks ahead. The government’s immediate focus, officials said, is on ensuring a “credible and time-bound” investigation while preventing the controversy from spilling into the political arena.

Timeline of Happenings

• October 7: ADGP Y Puran Kumar found dead at his Sector 11, Chandigarh residence. A nine-page note recovered naming senior officers.

• October 11: FIR registered for abetment to suicide; family demands inclusion of DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and SP Narendra Bijarnia as accused.

• October 11–12: Protests by Dalit organisations; family refuses post-mortem until senior officers are removed.

• October 13: SP Bijarnia replaced; pressure mounts on government to act against DGP.

• October 14: DGP Kapur sent on leave; O P Singh given additional charge as DGP; PM Modi’s October 17 rally cancelled.

• October 14 (Expected): Family agrees to post-mortem and cremation following the government’s move.

• October 15 (expected): Rahul Gandhi to meet the bereaved family in Chandigarh.