Patiala (Punjab) [India], March 22: In a significant development, four police officers from Patiala have been suspended and transferred following allegations of assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the accused officers, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to ensure a thorough probe, a senior police official confirmed.
Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh, while speaking to ANI, stated, "A fresh FIR has been filed in this matter. A case has been registered against Inspector Ronni Singh, Inspector Harjinder Dhillon, Inspector Harry Boparai, and Inspector Shaminder. In addition, they have been suspended and transferred out of the state. The SIT will be headed by ADGP SPS Parmar... Punjab Police have provided them (Colonel Bath and his family) with security, including two armed police personnel... The SIT will investigate, and they will make the arrests... The protest is peaceful so far."
Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. "We have formed an SIT. Action will be taken against those who are guilty. We have transferred all the accused whose names came to light. So, nobody will be able to influence the investigation. Action will be taken against the guilty, we won't spare anyone," Cheema asserted, reiterating the state government’s commitment to ensuring justice.
The incident has sparked concerns over police misconduct, prompting calls for accountability from various quarters. The formation of the SIT and the immediate transfer of the accused officers are being viewed as crucial steps toward ensuring a transparent and impartial investigation.
Jaswinder Kaur Bath, wife of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, affirmed her resolve to seek justice. "This is not a political issue. This is a fight by people. I would like to tell you one thing—I will fight for Punjab and get justice for everyone. There is no need for me to make a political party or organization. I will fight and get justice for everyone... FIR has been lodged, but I do not know anything about the suspension order," she said.
The FIR was registered on Friday at the Civil Lines Police Station in Patiala based on Colonel Bath’s statement recorded on March 14. His complaint detailed the roles of the police officials involved in the assault, which took place on the intervening night of March 13-14.
To ensure an impartial probe, a high-level SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law & Order, SPS Parmar, has been constituted. The team includes Sandeep Malik, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, and Manpreet Singh, PPS, Superintendent of Police, Rural, SAS Nagar.
The SIT has been directed to conduct daily investigations, gather evidence, and expedite legal proceedings to bring those responsible to justice. Additionally, the Punjab Director, Bureau of Investigation, has instructed the ADGP (Security) to provide adequate security for Colonel Bath and his family.
As investigations proceed, the case remains under close public and administrative scrutiny, with expectations of a fair and just resolution.
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