Colonel assault case: CBI files chargesheet against 4 Punjab police officers

The development follows the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s transfer of the probe to the CBI in July—this was upheld by the Supreme Court in August—due to concerns over the impartiality of earlier investigations by the Punjab and Chandigarh Police.

The chargesheet indicates that the CBI has concluded its investigation into the primary accused and is moving toward prosecution, with charges including grievous hurt and wrongful restraint. The case will now proceed to trial in court.

The incident on the intervening night of March 13-14 reportedly started over a minor parking dispute. According to the Colonel’s complaint, plainclothes police officers (including four inspectors and their subordinates, totalling around 12 personnel) confronted him, leading to an unprovoked attack. Colonel Bath suffered a broken arm (or dislocated elbow), and his son sustained injuries, including a head wound.

The family alleged threats of a “fake encounter”, snatching of the colonel’s ID card and phone, and a prolonged assault despite his identifying himself as an Army officer.

The initial Punjab Police response was criticised for bias. An FIR was quickly registered based on the dhaba owner’s complaint against unidentified persons, but the Colonel’s complaint was delayed by eight days, with the FIR only being filed on March 22. This led to accusations of a cover-up and protection of the officers.

A public outcry, protests by ex-servicemen and the wife of Colonel Bath, and intervention by the Punjab Governor prompted action. The accused personnel were suspended, and a Special Investigation Team was formed. The Indian Army demanded a swift and transparent probe.

Colonel Bath petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court for transfer to an independent agency, citing a lack of faith in the Punjab Police. The court initially transferred the probe to Chandigarh Police in April, but later found their investigation “tainted” and handed it over to the CBI in July.

The CBI took over, registering separate FIRs—one based on the colonel’s complaint, including attempt to murder, and one from the dhaba owner’s side.

The Supreme Court upheld the high court’s CBI transfer order in August.

A timeline of the case

* Intervening night of March 13-14: Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son are allegedly assaulted by off-duty Punjab police officials. The colonel suffers a fractured arm; his son sustains head injuries. CCTV footage of the incident goes viral, sparking public outrage.

* March 15: Patiala police register FIR against ‘unidentified persons’, based on the dhaba owner’s complaint. No FIR on Colonel Bath’s complaint.

* Mid-March: Video of the assault circulates widely on social media; 12 police personnel suspended.

* March 22: After media pressure, ex-servicemen protests, and interventions (including appeals to the Punjab Governor), FIR registered based on Colonel Bath’s statement.

* March 21-26: Punjab Police SIT formed. Colonel Bath’s family refuses to cooperate, citing a lack of trust and pending court petition.

* Late March: Colonel Bath and family meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking justice. Army demands a transparent, time-bound probe and exemplary punishment.

* Early April: Punjab and Haryana High Court transfers probe from Punjab Police to Chandigarh Police, with a four-month deadline due to concerns over delayed FIR and lack of arrests.

* May 23: High court dismisses anticipatory bail plea of accused Inspector Ronnie Singh, highlighting “gross misuse of police authority”.

* June: No arrests; Colonel Bath’s wife meets Punjab governor again over delays.

* July 14-16: Colonel Bath files fresh petition alleging biased probe by Chandigarh SIT. HC criticises investigation as ‘tainted’, transfers case to CBI.

* July 25: CBI registers two separate FIRs and takes over probe.

* Late July: Punjab Police concludes departmental inquiry, penalises 6 personnel

* August 4: Supreme Court upholds HC’s CBI probe order

* December 24: CBI files chargesheet against 4 Punjab police inspectors on charges, including grievous hurt and wrongful restraint.