Punjab & Haryana High Court transfers Colonel Bath assault case to Chandigarh Police
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred the investigation into the assault case involving Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Patiala to the Chandigarh Police. The court has directed that the investigation be completed within four months, and a new probe team will be constituted within three days. The newly formed team will not include any officials from the Punjab Police, although the Punjab Police must extend full cooperation.
The decision comes after the High Court rejected Punjab Police's plea regarding their Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had already gathered evidence and recorded statements. The petition for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe was filed by Colonel Bath.
Meanwhile, Colonel Bath’s wife, Jaswinder Kaur Bath, reported apprehending an individual allegedly tracking her movements and sending live updates and photographs via WhatsApp. The suspect was handed over to the police.
Expressing satisfaction over the court’s decision, Jaswinder Kaur Bath stated, “If justice is not delivered within four months, we will move to the Supreme Court. As for our security, I am installing front and rear cameras on our vehicles because these people can do anything—even stage an accident. Punjab needs President’s Rule; the law and order situation is deteriorating.”
Timeline of the Assault Case
March 13, 12:15 am – The assault incident
Colonel Pushpinder Bath and his son, Angad Bath, were waiting for their food order at a roadside eatery near Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, when a police vehicle stopped nearby. Around 7-8 plainclothes officers emerged and ordered them to move their car.
When Colonel Bath asked them to improve their language, one of the officials allegedly punched him, breaking his glasses and causing injuries. The Colonel fell unconscious, after which the officials reportedly kicked and beat him. His son Angad, who attempted to intervene, was also assaulted.
Upon regaining consciousness, Colonel Bath identified himself with his Army service ID, which was allegedly snatched by the policemen. They reportedly threatened him with an encounter.
March 21 – Case gains political attention
The incident was raised in the Punjab Assembly’s budget session, with opposition leaders criticising the AAP-led government over deteriorating law and order. Protests were held by former Army officers and BJP leaders in Patiala.
Enraged by the incident, an Army officer from Kupwara challenged Patiala SSP to join them in an encounter operation to understand real combat situations.
March 22 – FIR registered, 12 cops suspended
Following public outrage and pressure from the defense ministry, the Punjab Police registered an FIR after nine days and suspended 12 cops, including five inspectors.
March 26 – Punjab Police-Indian Army joint conference
To de-escalate tensions, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and Western Command’s Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa held a joint press conference. Lt Gen Wadhwa demanded a transparent and time-bound inquiry, while DGP Yadav assured strict action against the accused officials.
HC intervention and CBI demand
Hearing Colonel Bath’s petition for a CBI probe, the Punjab and Haryana High Court questioned the delay in FIR registration and the decision to file it against "unknown persons" despite identified suspects. The court also sought details of all FIRs registered in Patiala between March 18-20.
The High Court questioned why no arrests had been made and why the accused officials were present at the scene if they were on duty. The court expressed dissatisfaction with Punjab Police’s handling of the case and considered transferring it to the CBI.
Meeting with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
On March 31, Colonel Bath’s family met Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking CBI intervention. Jaswinder Kaur Bath stated, “We are living in a state where an Army Colonel is assaulted, and an FIR is filed only after eight days. We have no faith in Punjab Police.”
The High Court has now transferred the investigation to the Chandigarh Police.
- PTC NEWS
