New Delhi: Former CBI Director Ashwani Kumar (69), who had also served as Governor of Manipur and Nagaland, was found hanging from the attic of his Shimla residence on Wednesday.
Police found a suicide note in which he purportedly wrote he was suffering from disease and disability. The note ended with: “I am ending my life. Everyone be happy. My soul embarking on a new journey.”
Kumar is survived by his wife and son. State Minister Sukhram Chaudhary visited Kumar’s house and ruled out any foul play. “His family was at home,” he told reporters. “He was very regular with his evening walks and pooja and I am told he went to the pooja room where this incident happened.”
The 1973-batch IPS officer was a surprise announcement for the post of the director of the premier investigating agency in August 2008. Two other names, both senior to him, were doing the rounds for the prestigious posting. This was also the time when the agency was grappling with controversies surrounding the Aarushi murder case.
“I like Tom and Jerry cartoon show. Police is like the cat while the criminals are like mice. So Tom never leaves Jerry,” Kumar had said in an interview to PTI in 2008 after taking over as CBI Director.
“A man of integrity and honesty who was always smiling in trying conditions. I am shocked,” recalled former CBI Director P C Sharma. Kumar served under him as the Joint Director (policy), a post within the CBI which is a bridge between the government and the agency.
Retired police officer AP Singh, who succeeded Kumar at the CBI, called the news absolutely shocking. “I have worked closely with him as a special director. He was a gentleman. Never lost his temper. I always found him very pleasant, soft spoken; he never ever said a word to anybody in a raised voice.”