Chandigarh Police forms SIT to probe assault on Army Colonel by Punjab cops, IPS Manjeet Sheoran to lead investigation
PTC Web Desk: Following an order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Chandigarh Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged assault on Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath by Punjab Police personnel in Patiala. The SIT will be led by 2015-batch IPS officer Manjeet Sheoran.
The SIT comprises four members, including Sheoran, along with a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), an Inspector, and a Sub-Inspector. The investigation is expected to conclude within four months.
The colonel’s family had filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking an impartial investigation, expressing distrust in the Punjab Police’s probe. They had also demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The alleged incident took place during the night of March 13–14 in Patiala, when Colonel Bath was reportedly assaulted by Punjab Police personnel. Initially, the police did not take any action. However, once the matter reached the Ministry of Defence and the Army Headquarters, a first information report (FIR) was registered nine days later, naming 12 police personnel. This included five inspectors, all of whom were suspended following the FIR.
Despite the FIR, the Colonel’s family has accused the Punjab Police of attempting to shield its own personnel even after 21 days had passed since the assault.
Colonel Bath claimed that when he tried to start his car, he was attacked by the policemen using batons and iron rods. The attackers also vandalised his vehicle. His son’s friend alerted the Colonel's wife during the incident. Both Colonel Bath and his son were later admitted to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where doctors confirmed a fracture in the Colonel’s left arm.
The issue gained political momentum during the Budget Session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Opposition parties criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order in the state.
Retired Army officers also staged a protest in Patiala, demanding justice. Local BJP leaders met Patiala SSP Nanak Singh, urging strict action against the accused personnel. Following political pressure and the court's involvement, a new FIR was filed, an SIT was constituted, and security was provided to the Colonel’s family.
- PTC NEWS
