Punjab Police on Friday registered a fresh FIR at Police Station Civil Lines, Patiala, on the statement of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath regarding an alleged assault by police officials on the intervening night of March 13-14, 2025. The FIR specifically named the officers involved and detailed their individual roles in the attack.
The move comes after Colonel Bath’s formal statement was recorded on March 14, leading to a renewed push for justice. The incident has triggered outrage, prompting swift action from the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab, to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry. Only a day before, the victim’s family had met the Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the leadership of ADGP (Law and Order) SPS Parmar, IPS, along with Hoshiarpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Malik, IPS, and SP (Rural) SAS Nagar Manpreet Singh, PPS. The team has been tasked with conducting a day-to-day investigation to gather evidence and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible.
The Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed that the SIT will ensure a transparent, unbiased, and time-bound probe, leaving no room for procedural lapses.
To uphold the integrity of the investigation, the concerned 12 police officials have been placed under suspension, and departmental proceedings for major punishment have been initiated. Additionally, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala Range has been instructed to immediately transfer the accused officers out of the district. The decision aimed at preventing any undue influence on the investigation and ensure a fair process.
In response to concerns about potential threats, the ADGP (Security), Punjab, has been directed to provide adequate protection to Colonel Bath and his family.
The alleged assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath by uniformed personnel has sparked a major controversy, raising questions about police accountability and the misuse of power. The veteran’s detailed testimony has paved the way for legal action, highlighting the need for systemic reforms in handling complaints against law enforcement officers.
The case has become a litmus test for Punjab Police and the state government, which has been under pressure to act decisively against misconduct within its ranks.