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HC rejects anticipatory bail petition of Punjab cop in Colonel assault case
Calls delay in registration of FIR ‘astonishing’
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of police officer Ronnie Singh Salh, one of the cops who had allegedly assaulted a Colonel and his son over two months ago in Patiala.
The alleged incident had taken place on March 13 night in Patiala, where Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son were allegedly assaulted by police personnel over a parking dispute.
Justice Anoop Chitkara asserted that the incident showed a “complete misuse of police power” by the officers.
The admonition came as Justice Chitkara called for a thorough investigation into the delay in the registration of an FIR on the victim’s plea and other aspects, while referring to inaction on senior police officers’ part for bringing the “perpetrators to justice”.
Justice Chitkara observed that two FIRs were registered – first for affray based on a complaint made by owner of a dhaba, where the incident took place, and the subsequent one on the army officer’s plea.
A fundamental aspect which must be thoroughly investigated by a senior level police officer and certainly not less than of the Senior Superintendent of Police is the manner in which was registered based on the dhaba owner’s complaint and non-registration of earlier on the army officer’s plea “despite involving a grievous injury and a complaint about causing assault”.
“It is astonishing that the police immediately registered an FIR on finding an offence of affray. However, despite the earlier DDR disclosing injuries and fractures… no FIR was registered until March 22,” the court observed, terming the delay disturbing and suggestive of bias.
Justice Chitkara asserted the callous and violent way in which police officers were seen to be beating the two “clearly demonstrates an inhumane, aggressive and arrogant attitude of a cruel mindset, which is uncharacteristic of what our respectable and valiant police force actually represents. This vile, uncivilised, pitiless and brutal way is not the manner in which a police force ought to behave with its people, anywhere, and especially, in a democratic country like ours”.
Justice Chitkara added the police are meant to uphold law and order with fairness, not instill fear through unwarranted force. “It is common knowledge that the majority of the people, especially the poor, downtrodden and illiterate have been deeply conditioned to be afraid of the police, harboring a fear of them in the hearts of hearts. It is behaviour like that – as seen in the present case exhibited by a thin minority of officials – which inspires such fear and terror and is exemplary of incidents fuelling such narratives”.
The court added that the most disturbing part was that the accused police officers, fully aware of their duties and even after learning that the victim was a serving Colonel, showed no restraint. They snatched his ID, threatened his life and brutally beat him.
“We must not forget so early that this region is closer to a hostile border, has a history of militancy and is still battling cross-border narco-terrorism,” the Bench observed.
Holding that there appeared to be an intentional effort to scare away the visitors who could have acted as “independent witnesses” and assault the complainants in isolation, Justice Chitkara asserted: “Even if it is hypothetically assumed that the victims had wrongfully parked their car… still the job of a law enforcement officer is to issue a challan. It is not the job of any trained and licensed law enforcement officer to physically manhandle the occupants of the vehicle, let alone beat them black and blue.”
‘Gross misuse of police authority’: HC denies bail to Punjab cop in Colonel assault case
In a scathing order, the Punjab and Haryana High Court slammed the ‘non-action of the senior officers to ensure an FIR was registered without delay’.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Ronnie Singh Salh, a police officer accused of brutally assaulting Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son Angad Singh, calling the act a “heinous” and “vile” abuse of power that struck at the very foundation of civilised policing in a democracy.
Justice Anoop Chitkara, who presided over the case, tore into the conduct of the accused, terming it a “gross misuse of police authority” and a display of “inhumane, aggressive and arrogant” behaviour unbefitting the uniform.
The alleged incident occurred on the intervening night of March 13-14 near Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, when Colonel Bath, his son, and a friend had stopped to eat noodles from the trunk of their car. A Scorpio fitted with blinking red and blue lights arrived, and seven to eight men in civilian clothes got out, allegedly demanding that the Colonel move his vehicle. What followed, as per the FIR, was a sudden and violent assault in which Colonel Bath was punched unconscious and then beaten with fists and sticks—even after he identified himself as an Army officer.The attack left both father and son grievously injured, including bone fractures, as confirmed by medical records from Rajindra Hospital. Salh was among those named in the FIR, which was registered on March 22—eight days after the incident, and only following public outrage.
The case was later handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a Chandigarh UT cadre IPS officer, after the high court on April 3 expressed concern over the integrity of the initial probe.
In his strongly worded order, Justice Chitkara said the police’s actions were indefensible. “Even if it is hypothetically assumed that the victims had wrongfully parked their car, the job of a law enforcement officer is to issue a challan,” he wrote. “It is not the job of any trained law enforcer, skilled in the efficient use of force continuum, to mete out unmerciful, furious beatings to a common man at the drop of a hat,” he added.
“The callous and violent way in which these police officers are seen to be beating those two people visibly demonstrates an inhumane, aggressive and arrogant attitude of a cruel mindset. This vile, uncivilised, pitiless and brutal way is not how a police force ought to behave—especially in a democratic country like ours,” he further said.
Justice Chitkara did not spare senior officers either. “If it was the assault alone which was the problem, the gravity of the issue would have been different. What makes the entire episode even more worrisome is the non-action of the senior officers to ensure an FIR was registered without delay,” he said, calling it “alarming and disheartening” that no prompt action was taken despite the gravity of the incident. The FIR, the court noted, was lodged only after “public furore”.
The judge also flagged what he called an attempt to fabricate evidence. “Another perturbing aspect is that the accused attempted to fabricate evidence by getting treated in a private hospital. Such deviously crafty behaviour portrays an assumption of possessing unfettered powers—as if such officers are emperors of their police jurisdiction, which can never be the intent of legislature,” he said.
The court was also disturbed by the alleged assault on a serving Army officer. “Despite knowing from his identity card that he was a Colonel in the Army, the accused showed zero signs of stopping, snatched his ID, intimidated him, threatened his life and continued to beat him unsparingly,” the court said.
Taking a wider view, the court remarked: “If police officers display such brutality, high-handedness and disrespect towards members of our esteemed defence services, such reprehensible conduct is not just against the individual but against the whole nation. It implies they would be happy to serve any ruler—defying the very spirit of democracy that empowers them.”
Justice Chitkara stressed that “cruelty” must weigh heavily in bail decisions. “A cruel person amok is a potential threat to the well-being, safety and security of those around, much like a landmine waiting to explode on the slightest pressure,” he said.
Finding the petitioner’s involvement prima facie established and the brutality of the act incompatible with pre-arrest bail, the court dismissed the petition. The order said further comments were withheld to avoid prejudice to the trial. All pending applications were also disposed of.
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The SIT investigation continues and has been directed to conclude within four months.
Linguistic mistake: MP minister on Col Sofiya remark
Terming his controversial remark about Col Sofiya Qureshi a “linguistic mistake”, Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah on Friday once again tendered an apology. “My intention was not to hurt or offend any religion, caste or community. I sincerely apologise
Terming his controversial remark about Col Sofiya Qureshi a “linguistic mistake”, Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah on Friday once again tendered an apology. “My intention was not to hurt or offend any religion, caste or community. I sincerely apologise to the Indian Army, Sister Col Sofiya and all countrymen for the words I said inadvertently and once again with folded hands I apologise,” said Shah, the Minister for Tribal Affairs.
The Supreme Court on Monday constituted a three-member special investigation team to probe the First Information Report registered against him.
Army officer dies while rescuing jawan
The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago, was leading a ‘route opening patrol towards a forward tactical base in Sikkim
n an extraordinary display of courage and leadership, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Indian Army’s Sikkim Scouts sacrificed his life while saving a fellow soldier during an operational task in North Sikkim on Thursday.
The 23-year-old officer, commissioned less than six months ago in December last year, was leading a ‘route opening patrol towards a forward tactical base in Sikkim.
Around 11 am, Agniveer Stephan Subba — member of the patrol — lost footing while crossing a log bridge and was swept away by the powerful mountain stream.
Demonstrating presence of mind and leadership , Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari instinctively leapt into the treacherous waters to save the Agniveer, without a moment’s hesitation. Another soldier Naik Pukar Katel also followed immediately in support. Together, they managed to rescue the drowning Agniveer. However, Lt Tiwari was tragically swept away by the forceful current. Despite desperate efforts by his team, the body of the officer was recovered 800 m downstream.
He is survived by his parents and a sister. The Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen RC Tewari condoled the death.
President Murmu awards 6 Kirti, 33 Shaurya Chakras for gallantry
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 6 Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras to brave personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, CRPF, and J&K Police for gallantry in anti-terror operations
President Droupadi Murmu, who’s also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presented gallantry awards during a Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday (May 22). Six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous honours, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, with seven awarded posthumously, were conferred upon personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Central Armed Police Forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Kirti Chakra: Second-highest peacetime gallantry award
The Kirti Chakra recognises exceptional courage away from the battlefield. Among the recipients:
Kirti Chakra (Living Recipients)
- Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu – Indian Army
- Major Manjit – Indian Army
Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)
- Rifleman Ravi Kumar – Indian Army
- Colonel Manpreet Singh – Indian Army
- Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat – J&K Police
- Naik Dilwar Khan – Indian Army
Shaurya Chakra: Awarded for valour and courage
A total of 33 personnel received the Shaurya Chakra. These included 26 living recipients and 7 posthumous honours.
The President’s office shared on X: “President Droupadi Murmu conferred Shaurya Chakra upon Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar, Flying (Pilot). His undaunted courageous decision in a life-threatening situation to force land the aircraft on a dark night ensured the safety of a valuable national asset and precluded a probable loss of lives.”
Shaurya Chakra (Living Recipients)
- Major Vijay Verma – Indian Army
- Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar – CRPF
- Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo – CRPF
- Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane – Indian Air Force
- Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar – Indian Air Force
- Special Police Officer Abdul Latif – J&K Police
- Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia – Indian Army
- Colonel Pawan Singh – Indian Army
- Subedar P Pabin Singha – Indian Army
- Major Sahil Randhawa – Indian Army
- Lt Col CVS Nikhil – Indian Army
- Major Tripatpreet Singh – Indian Army
- Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav – Indian Navy
- Deputy Commandant Lakhveer – CRPF
- Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal – CRPF
- Constable Malkit Singh – CRPF
- Subedar Mohan Ram – Indian Army
- Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal – Indian Navy
- Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans – Indian Air Force
- Sergeant Dabhi Sanjay Hiffabhai – Indian Air Force
- Major Kunal – Indian Army
- Major Ashish Dahiya – Indian Army
- Havildar Prakash Tamang – Indian Army
- Major Satender Dhankar – Indian Army
- Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon – Assam Rifles
- Subedar Vikas Tomar – Indian Army
Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)
- Major Aashish Dhonchak – Indian Army
- Sepoy Pardeep Singh – Indian Army
- Havildar Rohit Kumar – Indian Army
- Constable Pawan Kumar – CRPF
- Constable Devan C – CRPF
- Vijayankutty G – BRO
- Captain Deepak Singh – Indian Army
Acts of gallantry
According to the Ministry of Defence, the gallant actions took place across various regions:
- Jammu & Kashmir and North-East: Personnel undertook anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations, resulting in the neutralisation and arrest of terrorists, along with arms recovery.
- Indian Navy:Officers led successful anti-piracy missions, rescued hostages, and controlled fires on oil tankers.
- Indian Air Force:Pilots made brave decisions during emergencies to protect lives and national assets.
- CRPF:Carried out daring missions in Left-Wing Extremist areas, leading to arrests of Maoists and seizure of weapons.
Major Aashish Dhonchak posthumously conferred Shaurya Chakra
He got martyred during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Garol area of Kokernag in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on September 13, 2023
President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday conferred Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) on Major Aashish Dhonchak of Panipat during a programme at Rashtrapati Bhawan. His mother Kamla Devi and wife Jyoti received the award.
Major Aashish Dhonchak got martyred during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Garol area of Kokernag in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on September 13, 2023.
In a post on X, President Murmu stated, “In a search-and-destroy operation in a densely forested area of Anantnag district in September 2023, he sustained severe gunshot wounds. Despite his injuries, he continued to pin down the terrorists with precision fire, allowing his team to take cover and eliminate the terrorists. The officer displayed raw courage and exemplified true leadership from the front.”
Earlier, Major Aashish Dhonchak (36) was felicitated with Sena Medal for his bravery on August 15, 2023. He was posted in the 19th Rashtriya Rifles.
Born on October 23, 1987, Aashish joined the Army as Lieutenant at Dehradun in June 2013 while he was pursuing MTech.
After completion of his training, his first posting was in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Meerut and Bathinda. He was promoted as Major in 2018 and again he was posted in Jammu and Kashmir.
He had a strong desire to join the Army from his childhood, his uncle said. He completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya in the NFL as his father Lal Singh shifted to the NFL township complex in 1999. He had also won a gold medal in badminton.
Shaurya Chakra for two brave Majors from state
Army officer Aashish Dhonchak awarded posthumously
wo brave sons of Haryana, Major Aashish Dhonchak of Panipat and Major Ashish Dahiya of Sonepat, were honoured with the Shaurya Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday for their exceptional courage in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Major Dhonchak was conferred the award posthumously for laying down his life in the line of duty.
Major Aashish Dhonchak, 36, of Binjhol village in Panipat, was martyred on September 13, 2023, during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Garol area of Kokernag, Anantnag district. Serving with the 19th Rashtriya Rifles of the Sikh Light Infantry, he led a search operation alongside Sepoy Pardeep Singh when they came under heavy terrorist fire. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, both soldiers continued to retaliate, enabling their team to regroup and neutralise the threat. One of the terrorists killed was a Category ‘B’ militant.
Major Dhonchak’s mother Kamla Devi and wife Jyoti received the award from the President. His uncle recalled his early ambition to join the Army, which he pursued even while doing his MTech. He was promoted to Major in 2018 and had served in Rajouri, Meerut and Bathinda before his final posting in J&K. The family had planned a housewarming celebration on his birthday, October 23 — a plan left incomplete by his martyrdom.
In another emotional tribute, Major Ashish Dahiya of Kakroi village in Sonepat was also awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his leadership and bravery during high-risk operations in South Kashmir. Serving with the Corps of Engineers in 50 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Dahiya was instrumental in eliminating four terrorists and defusing three IEDs since June 2022.
In a key operation in Pulwama on June 2, 2023, Major Dahiya risked his life to evacuate a wounded comrade and then single-handedly neutralised an A++ category terrorist at close range. His heroics under intense fire earned praise for his “audacious planning and intrepid execution.”
Major Dahiya, who joined the Army through NDA in 2011, comes from a family steeped in military service. His late father was a Lance Naik, his twin brother Anish is also a Major posted at Siachen, and his wife, Major Anusha, serves as a UN military observer in South Sudan.
Maj Rohit Kadian shines in World Masters Games
Army Major Rohit Kadian shone in the 11th World Masters Games, being held in Taiwan from May 17 to 30. Up against elite athletes, including former Olympians, Major Kadian made his mark at the global stage and won four medals….
Army Major Rohit Kadian shone in the 11th World Masters Games, being held in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.Up against elite athletes, including former Olympians, Major Kadian made his mark at the global stage and won four medals.
His medal haul includes a gold medal in the 1,500-m race (40-45 age category); two silvers, in 800-m and 5,000-m; and a bronze in the 400-m race.
Integrated Command and Control Centre gets operational at Vaishno Devi shrine
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has begun the operations of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, to enhance the safety and security of pilgrims. This state-of-the-art facility utilises a network of 700…
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has begun the operations of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, to enhance the safety and security of pilgrims.
This state-of-the-art facility utilises a network of 700 CCTV cameras equipped with advanced features like gesture, face recognition and PTZ, enabling real-time monitoring for efficient decision-making and swift response mechanism in the shrine area.
A joint inspection of the ICCC was conducted today by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the board, and Sarah Rizvi, DIG, Udhampur-Reasi Range, alongwith other officials from CRPF, Army and intelligence agencies.
“The ICCC will enhance pilgrim safety and security by leveraging advanced technologies like surveillance systems, data analytics and communication networks. A joint team from the shrine board and security agencies is now conducting real-time monitoring of key areas including ingress points, movement of pilgrims and service providers and critical infrastructure on the track, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for prompt emergency response and improved situational awareness,” an official spokesperson said.
A security review meeting that was also held stressed for action on diverse fronts and crucial decisions were taken for hassle-free pilgrimage, including the issuance of fresh UHF cards to pony owners and installation of readers to prevent impersonation and ensure their legitimate presence on the track.
The meeting also involved an in-depth discussion on identified threats with a focus on devising effective countermeasures to mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, measures were discussed to plug unauthorised ingress points in the shrine area, thereby strengthening the overall security apparatus for a safer environment for pilgrims.
The concerned quarters were directed to undertake the numbering of private shops along the track, facilitating easy identification and reference for security agencies. Emphasis was laid on early activation of the integrated hotline system to enable seamless communication amongst the stakeholders for swift response to emergencies and further strengthening the security infrastructure.
The meeting also explored deployment of additional security personnel, area domination and the use of drones and other advanced technologies to monitor the shrine and surrounding areas. The CEO reiterated the importance of effectively utilising advanced security equipment crucial for maintaining robust security measures provided to security agencies. These equipment include X-Ray baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors and under vehicle search mirrors recently procured and installed by the Board in the shrine area.
The meeting took a stern view of the begging menace in Katra, deeming it a nuisance to pilgrims and a potential security threat. Directions were given to concerned quarters to strictly curb the practice with a focus on rescuing and rehabilitating minors by sending them to shelter homes, thereby ensuring a safer and more dignified environment for pilgrims visiting from across India and abroad.
