On Tuesday, the Indian Army called for a fair, honest, and transparent investigation into the assault of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, urging the authorities to act swiftly and ensure that the guilty individuals are punished.
Colonel Bath has accused 12 Punjab Police officers of attacking him and his son over a parking dispute on the night of March 13-14 in Patiala. On Monday, he filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana 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.
Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, the Chief of Staff at the Army’s Western Command, emphasized the need for an expeditious and transparent investigation to bring the guilty officers to justice and restore public faith in the system. He expressed that the punishment for those responsible should be both timely and exemplary, ensuring that such an incident does not damage the relationship between the Punjab Police and both serving and retired Army personnel.
“The Indian Army is fully committed to ensuring that the case reaches a fair and logical conclusion,” Lt Gen Wadhwa stated.
Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, reiterated the police’s respect for the Indian Army and their commitment to protecting the dignity of Army officers. He assured that the individuals responsible for assaulting the Army officer would face severe consequences in accordance with the law. The investigation is being handled by a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a senior officer from the Punjab Police, with an emphasis on completing the inquiry swiftly.
Colonel Bath, in his petition, argued that a fair investigation under the Punjab Police would be impossible. Following his complaint, the Punjab Police registered a fresh FIR last week and suspended all 12 officers involved, initiating departmental proceedings for major disciplinary actions.
Colonel Bath has described the assault as “brutal,” stating that he and his son were attacked outside a dhaba in Patiala. The Army was notified of the incident on March 15, after which the Colonel was transferred from a civil hospital to a military hospital for treatment. He is currently recovering at the Command hospital in Chandimandir.
Lt Gen Wadhwa confirmed that the matter was raised urgently with the highest levels of the state administration and Punjab Police, calling for swift action and justice. The Punjab Police expressed regret over the actions of their personnel and have taken immediate steps to suspend and transfer the officers involved.
The FIR, based on Colonel Bath’s statement, was registered at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala on March 22 under relevant sections. The investigation is being led by the SIT under the Additional Director General of Police, and efforts are being made to conclude the probe at the earliest possible time.
The DGP assured that the Punjab Police holds the Army and its personnel in the highest regard, stating that the incident was an unfortunate anomaly and does not reflect the values upheld by the police force. He called on the public, including serving officers and veterans, to remain calm and composed and not be swayed by any malicious elements looking to exploit the situation.
The DGP also reiterated that the investigation would proceed on a day-to-day basis to collect evidence and ensure that legal actions are taken against the culprits promptly.
