IPS Officer O.P. Singh Appointed Acting DGP of Haryana, Shatrujeet Kapoor Sent on Leave

Chandigarh / Gurugram: In a major administrative shake-up, senior IPS officer O.P. Singh has been appointed as the Acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana. The development comes as the current DGP, Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, has been sent on administrative leave amid growing controversy surrounding the suicide of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar.

The state government took the decision late Monday evening, citing the need for “institutional neutrality and administrative balance” as multiple allegations of harassment surfaced against senior police officers.

Background: The IPS Officer’s Suicide That Shocked the State

1. The Tragic Incident
   On October 7, 2025, senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar was found dead at his Chandigarh residence. His suicide note allegedly named eight senior officers, including DGP Shatrujeet Kapoor, accusing them of mental harassment, caste discrimination, and fabricated charges.
2. Public Outrage and Political Pressure
   The incident triggered widespread outrage. Kumar’s wife, IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, wrote to the Haryana Chief Minister demanding an FIR, immediate suspension of the named officers, and protection for her family. Civil rights groups, opposition parties, and Dalit organizations rallied behind her, demanding justice.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) warned of a statewide agitation if no action was taken within ten days, while Congress leaders called for Kapoor’s suspension and arrest, arguing that justice must not be delayed.

3. The Government’s Response
   After nearly a week of protests, demonstrations, and media scrutiny, the Haryana government decided to send DGP Shatrujeet Kapoor on administrative leave and hand over the reins temporarily to O.P. Singh, known for his discipline and integrity.

Who Is O.P. Singh?

Om Prakash Singh, a 1983 batch IPS officer, is among India’s most respected police leaders.

• Past Positions: Former DGP of Uttar Pradesh Police, Director General of CISF, and Director General of NDRF.
• Education: Master’s in Political Science and MPhil in International Relations.
• Reputation: Known for his professionalism, no-nonsense leadership, and balanced handling of sensitive cases.

Sources in the government say Singh’s appointment is meant to restore public trust and ensure a neutral investigation into the IPS officer’s death.

Reactions Across the State

• Political Opposition:
  The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party welcomed Kapoor’s removal but demanded criminal proceedings against him and other officers named in the suicide note. “Administrative leave is not justice—it’s a delay tactic,” a Congress spokesperson said.
• Dalit and Human Rights Groups:
  Several organizations termed the move “a partial victory,” insisting that the state must acknowledge systemic caste bias within the force and take structural reforms seriously.
• Police Fraternity:
  Within the police department, reactions are mixed. Some senior officers expressed concern over the “morale of the force,” while others said the step was necessary to “protect the institution’s integrity.”

Wider Implications

1. Institutional Trust and Public Faith
   The controversy has deeply shaken public trust in law enforcement. The government now faces the challenge of ensuring that the investigation is impartial and transparent.
2. Political Fallout
   With elections approaching, opposition parties are likely to use the case to question the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
3. Administrative Precedent
   Sending a sitting DGP on leave amid an inquiry is rare, setting a precedent for future cases involving high-ranking officials.
4. Mental Health in Civil Services
   The tragedy has once again highlighted the psychological pressure and lack of institutional support that officers face. Experts have called for mental health frameworks within police services to prevent such incidents.

Inside Sources: Why O.P. Singh Was Chosen

According to senior officials, O.P. Singh’s impeccable service record and experience in handling crises were the primary reasons behind his selection.
He is known to balance discipline with compassion—a quality the government believes can help the force recover its credibility amid turmoil.

A retired IPS officer commented,

“Singh represents stability. In times like this, the department needs a figure who commands respect and neutrality.”

What Happens Next

• A special investigation team (SIT) is expected to probe the harassment allegations.
• The state government may consider transfers or suspensions of officers named in the suicide note.
• A judicial inquiry could be ordered to ensure impartiality.
• Civil society groups plan to hold a vigil in Chandigarh demanding accountability and reform.

Conclusion

The appointment of O.P. Singh as Acting DGP marks a turning point in Haryana’s policing narrative. It symbolizes a temporary but crucial shift toward transparency and accountability amid mounting public anger.

As the state navigates through this sensitive period, all eyes remain on how swiftly justice will be delivered—not just for an officer who died seeking it, but for an institution struggling to restore its moral compass.