Senior Haryana IPS Officer Y. Poonam Kumar Found Dead at Chandigarh Residence
ADGP allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself; Chandigarh Police begin probe as his IAS officer wife returns from official Japan tour.
In a shocking development, senior Haryana IPS officer Y. Poonam Kumar, holding the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), was found dead at his official residence in Chandigarh's Sector 11.
Police officials confirmed that he allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself.
The incident took place at House No. 116, Sector 11, where Chandigarh Police immediately reached the spot. SSP Kanwardeep Kaur also visited the residence as part of the investigation. The reason behind the officer's drastic step is not yet known.
According to sources, ADGP Kumar was recently posted at the Police Training College (PTC), Sunaria in Rohtak on September 29. He was reportedly on leave until today, though official confirmation on this is still awaited.
His wife, Aman P. Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is currently accompanying Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other officials on an official tour to Japan, which began on October 5. She is expected to return to India by Monday evening.
This tragic incident comes against the backdrop of past controversies involving the late officer. Last year, Kumar had written a detailed letter to the Chief Minister raising concerns over the promotion process of several IPS officers from the 1991, 1996, 1997, and 2005 batches. In the letter, he alleged that the promotions were approved in violation of Home Ministry norms and that the Finance Department had given clearance without proper procedure.
He had also urged that the pay structure of the 2001 batch officers be revised in accordance with Home Ministry rules, and that their arrears be cleared.
Earlier, Kumar had complained about former DGP Manoj Yadava, accusing him of harassment and demanding action under the SC/ST Act. In his complaint to the Ambala SP, Kumar stated that on August 3, 2020, a public holiday, he had visited a temple located inside the Shahzadpur police station. The same day, then-SP Abhishek Jorwal also visited the site.
Later, on August 17, 2020, DGP Yadava issued a notice to Kumar asking whether prior permission was taken from the government before setting up the temple inside police premises. Kumar had claimed that this issue led to continuous mental harassment and official pressure.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the officer's death. Chandigarh Police have yet to recover any notes or personal communications suggesting a motive.