The wife of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, Jaswinder Kaur Bath, led a sit-in protest outside the Patiala Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday, demanding justice for her husband and son who were allegedly assaulted by Punjab Police personnel over a parking dispute. The protest, joined by ex-servicemen and political leaders, comes amid growing outrage over the incident, which has raised serious questions about police misconduct and accountability.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured that the State Government is committed to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. “We have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). All accused officers have been suspended and transferred to prevent any interference. Action will be taken against the guilty; no one will be spared,” Cheema said. His statement followed widespread condemnation of the assault, which occurred on the intervening night of March 13 and 14.
Jaswinder Kaur Bath, addressing the protesters, vowed to continue her fight for justice. “This is not a political issue. This is a fight by the people. I will fight for Punjab and get justice for everyone,” she said. Her protest was supported by ex-servicemen and BJP leaders, including former MP Preneet Kaur, who called for a CBI probe and the inclusion of Army officials in the investigation.
Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh confirmed that four police officers — Inspector Ronni Singh, Inspector Harjinder Dhillon, Inspector Harry Boparai, and Inspector Shaminder — have been suspended and transferred out of the state. “A fresh FIR has been registered, and an SIT headed by ADGP SPS Parmar has been formed to investigate the case. We have also provided security to Colonel Bath’s family, including two armed personnel,” SSP Singh said.
The altercation began when Colonel Bath and his son were dining at a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. A group of police officers in civil dress allegedly demanded that the Colonel move his car to accommodate their vehicle. When Colonel Bath objected to their rude tone, the officers reportedly assaulted him and his son, leaving the Colonel with a broken arm and his son with a head injury.
A fresh FIR was registered based on Colonel Bath’s statement, which named the officers involved and detailed their roles in the assault. The SIT, which includes Hoshiarpur Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Malik and SAS Nagar (Mohali) Superintendent of Police (Rural) Manpreet Singh, has been directed to conduct day-to-day investigations and ensure legal proceedings are expedited.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with political leaders and ex-servicemen rallying behind Colonel Bath. Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Preneet Kaur, who joined the protest, demanded a joint SIT involving Army and police officials. “This is an insult to the armed forces. A fair and transparent investigation is essential,” she said.
Jaswinder Kaur Bath has also demanded a CBI probe, alleging that the local police initially tried to suppress the case. “The police administration tried to bury the matter, but we will not rest until justice is served,” she said.
Cheema emphasized that the state is committed to ensuring justice. “We will not tolerate such misconduct. The guilty will be punished,” he said.
