Chandigarh: The family of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, who was allegedly assaulted by a group of Punjab Police personnel, has received a reassuring commitment from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who promised that justice would be served in the case.
Following a meeting with the Chief Minister on Monday, Colonel Bath’s wife, Jasvinder Kaur, expressed her gratitude and confidence in the Chief Minister’s assurance. She told reporters that CM Mann had committed to taking appropriate action and would be convening a meeting with officials to address the issue. The meeting, which was scheduled after the CM granted time to the Bath family, is part of the ongoing efforts to resolve the case.
Colonel Bath, an Army officer, has accused 12 police personnel of assaulting him and his son over a parking dispute in Patiala on the night of March 13-14. The Army officer claimed that four inspector-rank police officers, along with their armed subordinates, attacked him and his son at a roadside dhaba, without provocation. The assault reportedly took place in public view and under CCTV surveillance. Bath further alleged that his ID card and mobile phone were snatched, and he and his son were threatened with a “fake encounter.”
Colonel Bath, who suffered a broken arm, and his son, who sustained a head injury, have called for a CBI investigation into the matter, along with the arrest of the accused policemen and the transfer of the Patiala SSP. Jasvinder Kaur stated that CM Mann expressed deep empathy during their meeting, even placing his hand on her head and reassuring her that justice would prevail.
The investigation into the assault is currently being led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). On Monday, A.S. Rai, head of the SIT, urged the people of Patiala to come forward with any evidence, such as video footage or other relevant information, that might aid the investigation. This call for assistance is part of the efforts to gather all available evidence for a thorough probe.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police registered a fresh FIR based on Colonel Bath’s statement, nearly a week after the incident. The officers involved in the alleged assault have been placed under suspension, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against them.
Colonel Bath, however, filed a petition in the Punjab High Court, requesting that the investigation be transferred to the CBI or another independent agency, claiming that a fair inquiry could not be expected from the Punjab Police.
The incident has sparked widespread public concern, and the family’s demand for a CBI inquiry has gained traction among supporters who are calling for justice for the assaulted Army officer and his family. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the government’s response and whether the accused police personnel will face legal consequences for their actions.
Sources By Agencies
