The widow of a Haryana police officer who died by suicide has launched a scathing public attack on the state government, accusing it of serious negligence in investigating her husband's death and shielding the responsible individuals. Santosh Devi, wife of late Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sandeep Lather, broke down in tears while addressing the media in Rohtak, expressing her family's anguish and frustration over the stalled probe.
Allegations of a Stalled Investigation and Protected Accused
Santosh Devi alleged that the authorities have shown "serious laxity" and have taken no concrete action on the First Information Report (FIR) she filed following her husband's tragic death. The FIR names several individuals in connection with the incident. She claimed that the administration has turned a blind eye to her family's plight. "The administration is not looking at his family," she stated, adding poignantly, "For the administration, Sandeep did not even look back at his children."
ASI Lather reportedly shot himself after the death of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. However, Santosh maintained she was completely unaware of any distress her husband was experiencing prior to his death. She pointed to the bail granted to Sushil Kumar, the gunman of the late IPS officer, as clear proof that the case was not being handled with the required urgency. "Even the main accused, Sushil Kumar, was not questioned, and he has secured bail," she revealed.
Further, she complained about being kept in the dark, stating she has been unable to discuss the progress on the FIR with the Superintendent of Police. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed for the case has also not been transparent, failing to share clear updates with the grieving family. Her sole demand remains a proper and impartial investigation based on her FIR to deliver justice for her husband.
Broken Promises and Deepening Family Crisis
Beyond the investigation, Santosh Devi accused the Haryana government of failing to honor multiple promises made to her family in the aftermath of the tragedy. She asserted that not a single commitment has been fulfilled. The unkept promises include:
- A permanent government job for Santosh Devi, instead of the temporary role offered under Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN).
- Granting "martyr" status to the late ASI.
- Assuming financial responsibility for the education and upbringing of her three children.
- Taking action against all individuals named in the FIR.
"No official has visited the family or offered any assurances," she lamented, highlighting the government's apparent indifference.
Mounting Financial Struggles After Losing Sole Earner
The family's situation is growing increasingly dire on the financial front. With ASI Lather as the sole earning member, Santosh detailed their severe struggles to meet basic expenses. The financial strain is multifaceted, encompassing:
The rising cost of educating her three children, caring for an elderly and frequently ill mother-in-law, and fulfilling pending social and familial obligations for five sisters-in-law. Compounding the crisis, the family has not received Sandeep Lather's salary for the past two months, pushing them further into hardship.
In a show of defiance and principle, Santosh has refused to accept the temporary position offered under HKRN. She is standing firm on her demand for the permanent government job that was initially promised, viewing it as essential for her family's long-term security. The case has now become a stark symbol of alleged administrative apathy and the struggle for justice faced by the families of deceased police personnel.
