Hyderabad- The suicide of Haryana-cadre senior IPS officer, Puran Kumar, has sparked strong reactions, with former IPS officer and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) member, Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar, calling it a "heartbreaking" incident and a grim reminder of the pervasive caste discrimination faced by officers from oppressed communities.

In a poignant post, Dr. Praveen Kumar expressed his solidarity with the officer's wife, stating that no amount of empathy would be enough to understand the "torture and injustice" the officer and his family endured.

Dr. Kumar framed the incident as a symptom of a deeper malaise. "This incident is a grim yet powerful reminder of how caste discrimination plays out in every aspect of life and careers of officers of oppressed communities in this country in spite of numerous constitutional safeguards," he wrote.

He emphasized that discrimination has become an "inescapable reality," drawing parallels to his experiences in the united Andhra Pradesh cadre and even referencing the recent assault on Justice BR Gavai in court.

The former civil servant made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take note of this "brazen injustice." He demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the circumstances leading to the officer's suicide and ensure that the guilty are punished, "no matter how much ever powerful they are."

In a heartfelt message aimed at those facing similar battles, Dr. Praveen Kumar offered crucial advice:

"Let’s not take extreme decisions while fighting systemic injustice. Taking out life should never be our response in this war against oppression."

He urged individuals feeling distressed to:

• Take time off and spend it with their families.

• Reconnect with their roots in villages and urban slums.

• Talk to younger generations and share their journeys.

• Find solace and strength in the books of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar, Arthur Haley, and Victor Frankl.

Offering an alternative path, he stated, "If your job doesn’t inspire you, please do not waste your precious energy there. Join the social justice mission instead and tread the path of our founding fathers. There’s only one life, but so much to do."

Dr. Kumar concluded by extending his deepest condolences to the officer's wife, Ms. Amneet Kumar, and her family, writing, "May all the forces in the universe be with you in this most painful moment, sister."

His post, signed off with "Jai Bhim. Jai Bharat," has ignited a conversation on institutional bias and the mental health of individuals from marginalized communities in high-pressure professions.