Chandigarh, October 14

In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the state police department, Haryana’s Director General of Police (DGP) has been sent on leave after his name surfaced in the suicide note of a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. The move comes amid mounting public pressure and growing demands for an impartial investigation into the tragic incident.

The Incident

According to sources, the IPS officer, posted in a key administrative position in Haryana, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his official residence late Sunday evening. Preliminary reports suggest the officer died by suicide. A detailed suicide note recovered from the spot reportedly names the state’s top police official among others, alleging harassment and mental pressure at work.

Family members of the deceased officer have confirmed that he had been under significant stress in recent weeks, citing internal departmental conflicts and undue pressure from higher authorities.

Government’s Swift Action

The Haryana government moved quickly after the revelations came to light. By late Monday evening, an official order was issued stating that the DGP had been “relieved of his duties and placed on leave until further notice.”
A senior Home Department official said, “Given the seriousness of the allegations, it was necessary to ensure transparency and fairness in the inquiry process. The officer named in the note has been asked to step aside to facilitate a free and impartial investigation.”

An additional DGP-rank officer has been given temporary charge of the department until a permanent arrangement is made.

Probe Handed Over to SIT

To ensure credibility, the Haryana government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior IPS officer from another state cadre. The SIT will investigate all angles — including workplace harassment, administrative decisions, and possible external influences leading up to the suicide.

Officials said the team will also examine digital evidence such as phone records, emails, and CCTV footage from the officer’s residence. The post-mortem report is expected to be submitted within 48 hours, which could offer crucial insights into the sequence of events.

Political and Public Reactions

The incident has triggered strong reactions from both political parties and the general public.
Opposition leaders have accused the state government of protecting senior bureaucrats while ignoring the growing mental health crisis among civil servants.
A prominent opposition MLA said, “If a senior IPS officer can be driven to take such a drastic step, it shows the toxic environment within the system. Accountability must go to the very top.”

Social media has also erupted with anger, with hashtags like #JusticeForIPSOfficer and #HaryanaPoliceCrisis trending across platforms. Many users have called for a transparent probe monitored by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mental Health in the Force

The tragedy has once again highlighted the immense stress faced by police officers across India. Experts have long pointed out that long working hours, political interference, and lack of mental health support create a pressure-cooker environment within the police force.
A retired IPS officer remarked, “We talk about discipline and duty, but we rarely discuss the emotional toll this job takes. Regular counselling, peer support, and mental health awareness should be mandatory at all levels.”