Members of the Poura Spandana Vedika on Sunday organised a candlelight vigil at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, condemning the alleged “abetment to suicide” case of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar. The members offered prayers and demanded stern action against those responsible.The forum members called for the suspension and arrest of the DGP and Rohtak SP, holding them accountable for their alleged role in the incident. they also condemned the caste discrimination faced by officers from marginalised communities in UPSC appointments, terming it a grave injustice.Puran Kumar, 52, was a Haryana cadre IPS officer who hailed from Andhra Pradesh and belonged to the Scheduled Caste community. “He was allegedly found dead with a gunshot wound at his Sector-11 residence in Chandigarh,” said the forum leader Kolanukonda Shivaji. He said Puran Kumar was known for his proactive interventions in various issues related to administration, seniority, and rights of officers, besides the transparent functioning of the system.“The 2001-batch officer never shied away from challenging assignments or postings and was particularly vocal about issues pertaining to the representation of Scheduled Castes (SC) in police ranks,” he said.Mr. Shivaji said the Central government should restore faith among BC, SC, ST, and minority communities by ensuring equal rights and fair opportunities in all sectors.Citing other cases of atrocities against Dalits and Backward Castes, the members demanded strict action in the murder of a Dalit man in Raebareli and also against the person who hurled a shoe at the Chief Justice of India. They said such incidents highlight deep-rooted social discrimination that needs urgent redressal.Poura Spandana Vedika leaders Praveen, Kursheeda, Nelam Malleshwar Rao, Sunitha, Jaladi Shiva and others participated.Published - October 12, 2025 10:54 pm IST