Did the HC Order CBI to Investigate Colonel's Assault Claims Against Punjab Police?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the CBI to investigate allegations of assault against Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath by Punjab Police officers. This decision underscores concerns regarding the integrity of the local police investigation and highlights the need for accountability in law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- High Court's directive: CBI to take over the investigation.
- Colonel Bath's allegations: Assault by Punjab Police over a parking dispute.
- Concerns raised: Flawed investigation by Chandigarh Police.
- Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj's remarks: Criticism of police conduct.
- Accountability in law enforcement: Need for fair investigation highlighted.
Chandigarh, July 16 (NationPress) The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to assume control over the inquiry concerning the assault allegations made by a Colonel against the Punjab Police.
Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath was advocating for an impartial investigation, preferably conducted by the CBI, citing the Chandigarh Police's inability to execute a "fair and unbiased investigation."
The High Court observed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Chandigarh Police assigned to investigate the assault incident allegedly involving Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath was "creating loopholes to provide benefits of doubt to the accused police officers."
The bench, led by Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj, criticized the Chandigarh Police for their lack of fair and objective investigative processes.
It was previously reported that all five accused individuals, four of whom were police inspectors, are currently evading arrest, and no non-bailable warrants have been issued against them.
Dissatisfied with the investigation by the SIT, Justice Bhardwaj directed that the case be handed over to the CBI.
Previously, Justice Bhardwaj had admonished the Chandigarh Police for not apprehending the Punjab Police personnel purportedly involved in the assault.
He described the delay as deliberate, emphasizing that the behavior of the police amounted to "setting a poor precedent" and shielding the accused.
In April, the High Court mandated the Chandigarh Police to conclude their investigation within four months.
The Army officer was reportedly assaulted by 12 Punjab Police personnel in Patiala due to a parking dispute.
Colonel Bath, stationed at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, alleged that on the night of March 13, four Inspector-level Punjab Police officers and their armed subordinates attacked him and his son without provocation in Punjab.
In his petition, Colonel Bath claimed that the Punjab Police officers and their armed subordinates confiscated his identity card and mobile phone, threatening him with a "fake encounter."
The petitioner also alleged that his wife, Jaswinder Kaur, was coerced by the police officers to reach a compromise and asserted that some personnel admitted to her via video call that they were under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
Four days post-incident, the police issued an apology to the Army officer and promised "strict action against the culpable officers."
Point of View
The decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to transfer the investigation to the CBI highlights a crucial commitment to uphold justice and accountability in law enforcement. The allegations against the Punjab Police raise significant concerns about the integrity of the investigative process, emphasizing the necessity for independent scrutiny in such serious matters.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the High Court to intervene in this case?
The High Court intervened due to concerns about the Chandigarh Police's ability to conduct a fair investigation into the assault allegations made by Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath.
What were the allegations made by Colonel Bath?
Colonel Bath alleged that he and his son were assaulted by Punjab Police personnel over a parking dispute, and that the police officers threatened him during the incident.
Why was there a delay in the investigation by the Chandigarh Police?
Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj criticized the Chandigarh Police for what he described as intentional delays and a lack of action against the accused police personnel.
What does the transfer to CBI imply for the investigation?
The transfer to the CBI is intended to ensure a more impartial and thorough investigation into the assault allegations against the Punjab Police.
What actions were taken by the police after the incident?
After the incident, the police issued an apology to Colonel Bath and promised to take strict action against the police personnel involved.
