Former CBI director Ashwini Kumar commits suicide, wrote suicide note

On Oct 8, 2020

Shimla: Former CBI director Ashwini Kumar was found dead at his residence in Shimla Wednesday evening. Police suspects it to be suicide as no foul play is involved. The deceased has left a suicide note, saying that he is tired of life and is going on his next journey. The 70 year old is survived by his wife and son.

Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Shimla Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawla and other senior officials rushed to the spot on hearing of Ashwini Kumar’s death. Kundu said they had found a note that was written before committing suicide.

According to family, Ashwini Kumar went to his room, locked the door from inside and committed suicide with a nylon rope. The family does not think there is any possibility of any casualties in this incident. An autopsy will be conducted on Thursday morning.

Suicide Note

The DGP wrote no one is responsible for this in the suicide note. “I am taking this step due to serious illness. I wish everyone happiness. I am ending my life with my own will, I am leaving for the next journey”.

It is being speculated that Ashwini Kumar, who has been living at home for the past six months, may have taken this extreme step due to depression influenced by a changed lifestyle. However, police are investigating other possibilities.

However, the police officer said his family was shocked because Kumar hadn’t shown any signs of depression. “The family is in shock. He was fine till this evening. It is unclear what made him take that step. The investigation is on,” the officer added, without divulging more on the case or commenting on the contents of the suicide note.

Ashwani Kumar became director of CBI in 2008 when the Arushi Talwar murder case was in full swing. He was the Governor of Nagaland from March 2013 to June 2014. In 2013, he was the Governor of Manipur for some time. Kumar also served as Director General of Police of Himachal Pradesh from August 2006 to July 2008. He was the Director of CBI from August 2, 2008 to November 30, 2010. Currently, he was the Vice Chancellor of a private university in Shimla. He was a 1973 batch IPS officer. In 1985, he was appointed to the Special Protection Group (SPG). He served in various positions from 1985 to 1990.