Current Events :
The investigation, to be completed within three weeks, will be led by IAS officer Paramvir Singh, who has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer
The Punjab Government has initiated a probe into the brutal assault on Colonel Pushpinder Bath and his 24-year-old son Angad Singh by police officials in Patiala on March 13. The investigation, to be completed within three weeks, will be led by IAS officer Paramvir Singh, who has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer.
Colonel Bath, currently posted at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, alleged that he and his son were assaulted by policemen near Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. The family members have expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the incident and have decided to meet the Punjab Governor.
The state government has assured a fair and impartial inquiry, acknowledging the gravity of the incident. The police have already suspended 12 personnel, including three inspectors, in connection with the assault. However, the family and supporters are demanding further action, including the arrest of the police officials involved.
Gurtej Dhillon, a BJP leader and close relative of the Colonel’s family, stated that their three demands are still pending — lodging an FIR based on Colonel Pushpinder’s complaint, arresting the 12 policemen who attacked him, and taking action against the errant police personnel.
Dhillon said the incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many veteran Army officers expressing anger over the treatment meted out to a senior Army officer by the police. A protest is planned outside the DC office in Patiala on March 22.
Angad Singh, who was injured in the attack, alleged that no one from the police department has visited them or recorded their statement. He expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension of the policemen, stating that it is not sufficient punishment for the brutal attack.
Jaswinder Bath, wife of Colonel Pushpinder Bath, stated on Wednesday that the Patiala police’s partisan role is evident, citing the fact that the names of the 12 suspended officers have not been made public. She emphasised that if a serving Army officer can be treated in such a manner, it is alarming to think about the plight of the common man.
Were assaulted by Patiala cops at a dhaba
The medical reports of Colonel Pushpinder Bath and his son Angad Singh, who were examined around an hour after the alleged brutal attack on them by Patiala cops on March 13, suggest that they were not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
“This belies the claims of the police that we were consuming alcohol. It was sheer goondaism by the cops and they deserve the harshest punishment,” Angad Singh said.
An FIR is registered in connection with the incident under Section 194(2) of the BNS that prescribes imprisonment for a term that may extend to one month, or with fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.
“The FIR mentions the complainant alleging that my husband and son were drinking alcohol. This shows intent of the FIR, which is merely an eyewash,” said Jaswinder Bath, wife of Colonel Pushpinder Bath.
“Instead of acting on the complaint submitted by us, with medical records that clearly prove grievous injuries, the Patiala police have registered an FIR based on the complaint of the dhaba owner. He claims he saw my husband and son drinking liquor, but mentions nothing about the 12 men assaulting them. Worst, the FIR does not name any guilty officer, despite our complaint identifying them,” says Jaswinder Bath. She would meet the DGP also, she said.
“I am worried about the security of my family as despite being suspended, the cops concerned continue to enjoy security cover, official vehicles and are present in Patiala. We have requested the police for security, but nothing has been done,” she said. Patiala SSP Nanak Singh was not available for comments.
