Cops ignore crucial leads in IAS ‘suicide’

The case relating to the suicide by senior IAS officer Harminder Raj Singh is far from being solved. The manner in which the police are handling the case has fuelled speculations that the powers-that-be want it to remain that way. The 1978 batch officer allegedly shot himself at his house at 1.30am on Sunday.

Strangely, the bullet which pierced Singh’s temple is missing even though the alleged suicide took place in his study. Additional DG Brij Lal had a ridiculous answer to this: “We've not found the bullet yet... it could've fallen somewhere while he was being taken (to hospital).”

The role of the Lucknow police came under suspicion after it sealed Singh’s mobile without extracting information on calls made or received before the suicide. Besides, questions are being asked about a “missing” suicide note. Asked about the mobile phone on Monday, Lucknow DIG Prem Prakash said it had been “sealed after the officer's son made a request”.

One of Singh's batchmates said he was hale and hearty, and showed no signs of tension or depression. “He danced and cracked jokes at a party on Saturday evening,” he said.
On Sunday, the DIG said Singh had been ill for the past few days, which was far from the truth. Then, an autopsy done soon after his death reinforced speculation that the case is being hushed up.

As principal secretary (housing), Singh was handling several important projects, including chief minister Mayawati’s “dream project”, the Ambedkar Park in Lucknow.