Acting on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Chandigarh Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged assault on Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath by Punjab Police personnel in Patiala. The high-profile probe will be headed by 2015-batch IPS officer Manjeet Sheoran.
The SIT will consist of four members, including Sheoran, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), an Inspector, and a Sub-Inspector. The team has been given a four-month deadline to complete the investigation.
The move follows a petition filed by Colonel Bath’s family in the High Court, seeking a fair and impartial probe. The family expressed concerns over the credibility of the Punjab Police’s internal investigation and had demanded that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The incident reportedly occurred during the night of March 13–14 in Patiala. Colonel Bath alleged that he was brutally assaulted by Punjab Police personnel when he attempted to start his car. According to the Colonel, the policemen used batons and iron rods in the attack and also vandalised his vehicle.
His son's friend alerted the Colonel’s wife, and both the Colonel and his son were later rushed to Rajindra Hospital. Medical reports confirmed a fracture in the Colonel’s left arm.
Despite the severity of the incident, no immediate action was taken by local authorities. It was only after the matter reached the Ministry of Defence and Army Headquarters that an FIR was registered—nine days after the assault. The FIR named 12 police personnel, including five inspectors, all of whom were subsequently suspended.
Also Read: Army seeks fair probe in Col assault case, says Punjab DGP
However, even after the FIR was filed, the Colonel’s family alleged that the Punjab Police continued to shield the accused, pointing out that no concrete action had been taken even 21 days after the incident.
The case soon took on a political dimension. During the Budget Session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, opposition parties strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government, accusing it of failing to uphold law and order.
The incident also drew widespread condemnation from retired Army officers, who staged protests in Patiala demanding justice. Local BJP leaders met with Patiala SSP Nanak Singh to press for firm action against the erring officers. In response to mounting public and political pressure, authorities filed a second FIR, constituted the SIT, and provided security to Colonel Bath’s family.
The outcome of the SIT probe is now awaited, as the matter continues to spark public and political debate across the region.
Also Read: Patiala: Assaulted Col's wife, ex-servicemen stage protest
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