Punjab Police Dismisses 12 Officers for Assaulting Army Colonel and Son Over Parking Dispute
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Synopsis
The Punjab Police suspended 12 officers, including three inspectors, after public outrage regarding the assault of an Army Colonel and his son over a parking dispute. A departmental inquiry has been initiated, with an investigation expected to conclude in 45 days.
Key Takeaways
- 12 police officers suspended.
- Incident involved an Army Colonel and his son.
- Assault linked to a parking dispute.
- Departmental inquiry initiated.
- Public outcry led to swift action.
Patiala, March 17 (NationPress) The Punjab Police took decisive action on Monday by suspending 12 officers, among them three inspectors, in response to public backlash regarding the alleged assault on an Army Colonel and his son stemming from a parking disagreement in Patiala.
A departmental inquiry has been initiated, with an investigation expected to conclude within 45 days.
This incident, which transpired on the night of March 13-14 near a dhaba adjacent to Rajindra Hospital, has incited widespread outrage following the emergence of a video depicting the assault.
Colonel Pushpinder Singh Batth, who is currently stationed at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, was physically assaulted along with his son by police personnel.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Patiala, Nanak Singh, announced the immediate suspension of Inspectors Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh, and Harjinder Dhillon, along with nine additional personnel.
“We express our regret over this incident and extend our apologies. The bond between the Indian Army and the Punjab Police is robust, and we are committed to preserving it,” the SSP remarked.
He assured that justice would be pursued and a departmental inquiry has been launched against the implicated officers.
“This case is under thorough investigation, and stringent measures will be enacted,” he stated, mentioning that neither the police officers nor the Army officer were in uniform during the altercation.
Colonel Batth's wife, Jaswinder Batth, recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that the family was dining near their vehicle when police officials requested they move the car for their parking. When the Colonel objected to the officers’ tone, a violent confrontation ensued.
She claimed that the officers, accompanied by their team, assaulted her husband and son with baseball bats and sharp-edged weapons. The Colonel suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured left hand, while his son, Angad Singh, sustained a significant head injury. Both individuals have been hospitalized since 2 PM on March 14.
The altercation was also captured on CCTV footage.
She further alleged that, despite repeated requests, authorities delayed taking their statements, and an FIR was not registered initially.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from the Western Command Headquarters and the 1 Armoured Division in Patiala, which have escalated the matter with the Punjab government and police.
A statement issued by the Western Command HQs confirmed, “There was an altercation and scuffle between an Army officer on leave in Patiala and policemen post-midnight on March 13-14. The issue is being addressed with due urgency at both the state government and local levels by the Command HQs and subordinate formations. An FIR has been filed, and assurances of strict action against the errant policemen have been given by the authorities.”
The statement further indicated that the Colonel was transferred to the Military Hospital (MH), where local civilian administration and police officials visited him to provide necessary assurances.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are under growing pressure to guarantee swift justice and accountability in this case.
