In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Police to take over the investigation into the assault case involving Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath. The court has set a strict deadline, mandating that the investigation be completed within four months. This decision was made following Colonel Bath’s request for the probe to be transferred to the CBI or another independent agency, citing concerns over impartiality.
Colonel Bath alleged that he and his son were assaulted by a group of 12 Punjab Police personnel over a parking dispute on the night of March 13 and 14, while they were dining at a roadside dhaba in Patiala. The incident reportedly escalated quickly, with Bath claiming that the officers, including four inspector-rank officials and their armed subordinates, attacked them without provocation. He also accused them of snatching his ID card and mobile phone and threatening him with a “fake encounter.”
Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, presiding over the case, specified that the investigation would be led by a senior IPS officer and emphasized that no officer from the Punjab cadre would be involved in the investigative team to ensure an unbiased process. This arrangement aims to address the concerns raised by Colonel Bath regarding the potential for a compromised investigation if conducted under the jurisdiction of Punjab Police.
The directive from the court comes amid heightened sensitivity due to Colonel Bath’s current deputation to a sensitive governmental post, with fears articulated about the possible leakage of sensitive national information contained on his mobile phone.
Jasvinder Kaur Bath, Colonel Bath’s wife, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, which she believes will lead to a fair and impartial investigation. This case has garnered considerable attention, highlighting issues of police conduct and the protection of military personnel serving in civilian areas.
