Punjab and Haryana High Court Seeks Explanation from Punjab Govt Over Delay in FIR in Army Officer Assault Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the Punjab government to clarify the delay in filing an FIR concerning the alleged assault on an Army officer and his son. The court has given the state two days to respond and explain other aspects related to the incident.
Justice Sandeep Moudgil also issued a notice of motion to both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Punjab government on a petition filed by Colonel Pushpinder Bath, who is currently serving at the Army headquarters in New Delhi.
The court further questioned the government on its inaction regarding a separate complaint filed by a police official who claimed to have sustained injuries during the incident.
The case stems from a violent altercation on the night of March 13 in Patiala, where Colonel Bath and his son Angad Singh were allegedly assaulted by police personnel. Following the incident, 12 police officials, including three inspectors—Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh, and Harjinder Dhillon—were suspended, and a departmental inquiry was initiated. The suspended individuals also include gunmen attached to the three inspectors.
Four days after the incident, Patiala police formally apologized to the Army and pledged strict action against the involved officers.
Colonel Bath alleged that he and his son were brutally beaten by over 10 policemen, resulting in a fracture in his left arm and multiple other injuries. His son, Angad, also sustained serious injuries during the scuffle as he tried to protect his father. Both are currently undergoing treatment at the Military Hospital.
According to the Colonel’s wife, Jaswinder Bath, the incident occurred near a dhaba close to Rajindra Hospital, where the family had stopped to eat. She claimed the assault began when her husband was asked to move his car, and objected to the tone of the police officers. “One of them punched him, and soon a group of them began attacking him and our son,” she alleged.
However, one of the suspended officers provided a conflicting version, asserting that it was Colonel Bath and his son who initiated the confrontation. “They were consuming alcohol in public. When questioned, they turned aggressive and attacked us,” he claimed.
Dhaba owner Karan, who witnessed the incident, stated that the Colonel and his son were having food and drinks near their vehicle when a dispute broke out over parking. He confirmed that both parties were in civilian clothes, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation when two other vehicles arrived.
The case continues to stir public and legal attention, with the High Court seeking prompt clarification from the state and law enforcement authorities.
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