The wife of Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into an alleged brutal assault on her husband and son by Punjab police officials in Patiala. Breaking down in tears at a press conference on Friday, Jasvinder Kaur Bath described the incident as an “unimaginable act of brutality” and urged authorities to ensure justice.
Colonel and Son Allegedly Beaten Over Parking Dispute
The alleged assault took place on the night of March 13-14, near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. According to the family, Colonel Bath and his son were having food at a roadside eatery when a group of Punjab police officers in civilian clothes asked the Colonel to move his car so they could park theirs.
When he objected to their rude tone, the officers allegedly punched him. Soon, more police personnel joined in and began thrashing him and his son. The Colonel sustained a broken arm, while his son suffered a deep cut on his head.
Demand for Justice and Allegations Against Punjab Police
Jasvinder Kaur Bath submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, urging an impartial probe into the matter. She has demanded:
- Registration of an FIR based on the Colonel’s complaint.
- Naming of all 12 accused police officers in the FIR.
- Immediate transfer of the accused officers out of Patiala.
She accused Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh of failing to take action, despite multiple requests from the family. “For seven days, I have been moving from pillar to post,” she said, displaying photos of her injured husband and son.
Suspension of 12 Police Officers, But FIR Based on Dhaba Owner’s Statement
Following the incident, the Punjab Police suspended 12 officials and initiated departmental inquiries against them. However, Bath expressed disappointment that the FIR was registered based on the statement of the dhaba owner rather than her husband’s testimony.
“My husband is a uniformed person. We are part of the Army family,” she said, highlighting the alleged lack of cooperation from authorities.
Governor’s Assurance and Call for CBI Probe
On Thursday, the Colonel’s family met with Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, seeking a CBI investigation. Bath claimed that the Governor assured them of their right to have the FIR registered based on her husband’s statement and had even spoken to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) about the matter.
Despite the Punjab government ordering an executive magistrate-led probe, the family has rejected it, insisting on a CBI investigation to ensure fairness.
Sources By Agencies
