CPI(M) seeks judicial probe into Dalit IPS officer’s death

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary MA Baby has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep pain over the death of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Y. Puran Kumar, who allegedly died by suicide, citing caste-based harassment by senior officials.

In his letter, Mr Baby described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing” and said it raised serious concerns about the institutional safeguards offered to officers from marginalized communities.

He draws parallels with the 2016 suicide of University of Hyderabad Ph.D. Speaking about academic Rohith Vemula and other similar cases, Mr Baby said the incident reflected the systemic oppression faced by Dalits in public institutions. He said the CPI(M) delegation met the bereaved family of the late police officer in Chandigarh and listened to their narrative, which underlined the need for an independent and transparent investigation.

The CPI(M) has demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge to probe the circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death and allegations of caste-based harassment. The party also called for the immediate suspension of all officials named by the late officer in order to prevent any interference in the investigation.

“A fair and transparent investigation is necessary not only to ensure justice to the family, but also to uphold Constitutional values ​​and protect public officials from discrimination,” Mr. Baby wrote.

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