The Indian Army on Tuesday emphasised the need for a fair and transparent investigation into the assault case involving Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath. The Army called for a time-bound probe to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable and justice is served.
Colonel Bath has accused 12 Punjab Police personnel of physically assaulting him and his son during a parking dispute in Patiala on the night of March 13-14.
Seeking an independent investigation, Bath has filed a plea in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, requesting the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or another impartial agency.
At a joint media briefing, Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, Chief of Staff at the Army Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir, reiterated the Army’s position on the matter.
He stressed that the police personnel involved should face exemplary punishment to prevent any deterioration in the longstanding camaraderie between the Punjab Police and the Army, both serving and retired.
He assured that the Indian Army remains fully committed to ensuring that the case reaches its logical conclusion.
Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav also addressed the media, reaffirming the Punjab Police’s highest respect for the Indian Army and its officers. He assured that anyone found guilty of assaulting a serving Army officer would face strict legal consequences.
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The DGP emphasised that the investigation would be conducted swiftly to bring the culprits to justice. He outlined the steps taken by the Punjab Police, including the formation of a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a senior officer to ensure a thorough and impartial probe.
Bath, in his petition, has expressed concerns about the fairness of an investigation carried out by the Punjab Police, arguing that an independent agency would be better suited to handle the case.
Following the incident, the Punjab Police registered a fresh First Information Report (FIR) based on Bath’s statement and initiated departmental proceedings for major punishment against the 12 accused personnel, all of whom have been suspended.
According to Bath’s complaint, he and his son were "brutally" attacked by Punjab policemen outside a roadside eatery in Patiala.
The Army was informed of the incident on March 15, after which Bath was transferred from a civil hospital to a military hospital for treatment at the Command Hospital in Chandimandir. He is currently recuperating from his injuries.
Lt Gen Wadhwa stated that the Army had taken up the issue with the highest levels of the state administration and Punjab Police to ensure a prompt and fair investigation.
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The Punjab Police acknowledged the "undesirable actions" of their personnel, leading to the immediate suspension and transfer of those involved.
An FIR based on Bath’s complaint was registered at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala on March 22 under relevant legal provisions. The Special Investigation Team, led by the Additional Director General of Police, has been tasked with expediting the investigation.
The DGP reaffirmed that the SIT is conducting a daily review of evidence collection and legal proceedings to ensure swift action against those responsible.
Lt Gen Wadhwa reassured serving officers, veterans, and the general public that the Army is taking all necessary steps to ensure justice for Colonel Bath. He urged everyone to remain calm and not be influenced by divisive elements seeking to exploit the situation.
DGP Yadav reiterated that the FIR has been registered and includes the names of the police personnel identified in Colonel Bath’s statement.
The SIT has been directed to complete the investigation at the earliest, ensuring that legal proceedings are carried out in accordance with the law. The Punjab Police have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding their values and ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
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