12 Police Officials Suspended for Allegedly Assaulting Army Officer, Son in Patiala

• Mar 17, 2025

Patiala authorities have suspended 12 police officials, including three inspectors, following allegations of assaulting an army officer and his son. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against them.

The incident, which occurred near Rajindra Hospital, led to an FIR being registered by the Patiala police two days ago. Patiala SSP Nanak Singh confirmed the suspension, stating, "A thorough investigation will be conducted, and justice will be ensured. No one will be spared."

The suspended officers include Inspectors Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh, and Harjinder Dhillon, along with nine other police personnel named in the complaint.

Incident Details

Colonel Pushpinder Bath, currently stationed at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, alleged that he and his son were assaulted on the night of March 13. Both are undergoing treatment for their injuries. According to the complaint, the police personnel involved were in civilian clothing at the time, reportedly returning from an operation where they had rescued a kidnapped seven-year-old child and fatally shot one of the kidnappers.

However, one of the accused policemen countered the allegations, claiming that Col. Bath and his son were intoxicated and had attacked them first. Police have also registered an FIR based on a statement from a local dhaba owner, and an investigation is ongoing.

Family's Allegations

Jaswinder Bath, the wife of Col. Bath, addressed the media in Patiala, alleging that the attack was unprovoked. She recounted that her husband and son had stopped at a dhaba near Rajindra Hospital when the policemen arrived and demanded that the colonel move his car.

"When my husband objected to their tone, one of them punched him. Soon, they began beating both my husband and son, leaving them injured," she claimed. She further accused the police of bias despite the availability of CCTV footage and the identification of the alleged attackers.

Official Response

Patiala SSP Nanak Singh assured that the Punjab Police holds the Indian Army in high regard and expressed regret over the incident.

"We have suspended the accused officers and initiated an investigation. The inquiry will be completed within 45 days, and appropriate action will be taken based on the evidence," he stated.