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Colonel assault case: Punjab and Haryana HC questions delay in FIR, seeks answers from Punjab government

Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, who was allegedly assaulted by several Punjab Police officials, has filed a petition seeking the transfer of the case to the CBI or any independent agency.

Justice Moudgil reviewed video footage and medical reports related to a late-night altercation that took place on March 13–14. (File Photo)

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday expressed strong reservations about the conduct of Punjab Police officials in an alleged assault case involving Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son, Angad Singh Bath.

Justice Sandeep Moudgil questioned the seven-day delay in registering an FIR, asking, “Who was the police official who refused to take action at the first instance? Such kind of brutality will not be accepted. What is the explanation? And why the court should not contemplate handing over this investigation to the CBI.”

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath against the State of Punjab and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petition sought the transfer of FIR No. 69, dated March 22, 2025, registered at Police Station Civil Lines, Patiala, to the CBI or any independent agency to ensure a free, fair, and impartial investigation.

The court asked why the Punjab Police were willing to register an FIR based on the complaint of the dhaba owner but refused to heed the complaint filed by the colonel’s wife.

Justice Moudgil also rebuked the police’s handling of the case, stating, “If your clients were so honest and dedicated, they should have booked them, taken them for medical. Instead, they fled from the spot and spent three days apologising.”

Justice Moudgil reviewed video footage and medical reports related to a late-night altercation that took place on March 13–14. The petitioners, the colonel and his son, alleged they were assaulted by the police, left to recover briefly as the police officials drank water, and then assaulted again by the same individuals. CCTV evidence from a roadside dhaba reportedly shows the assault.

Advocate Vinod Ghai, a former advocate general of Punjab, intervened on behalf of Constable Randhir Singh, who he claimed had suffered injuries during the brawl on the fateful night. He claimed that a medical report conducted in the wee hours of March 14 showed that he had suffered wounds on his body.

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Colonel Bath’s lawyer claimed that the colonel showed the police his service ID while he was being beaten up but one of the policemen snatched it from him and allegedly said, “We have just returned from an encounter, if you survive this, you can collect your ID from the ACP Civil Lines”.

He further alleged that the police took away the colonel’s phone and service ID during the brawl in which the colonel suffered a dislocated arm while his son’s nose was fractured. The petitioner said the colonel pleaded that his phone be returned as he was serving on a very sensitive post in the Cabinet secretariat but to no avail.

The petitioner further claimed that the IAS officer first appointed to investigate the case lacked the authority to adequately address the criminal aspects of the case under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Colonel Bath prayed for the court to probe the role of senior Punjab Police officers in the delayed registration of the FIR, alleging that the delay was aimed at shielding the accused, suppressing the matter, and destroying crucial evidence. Additionally, he sought the preservation of relevant CCTV footage and mobile tower locations linked to the case.

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Expressing concerns about threats to his life and that of his family and eyewitnesses, the petitioner urged the court to ensure their protection. He also sought an exemption from filing certified or true-typed copies of annexures in the interest of justice. Until the final disposal of the petition, he requested a stay on the ongoing investigation by the Punjab Police.

The court took note of the footage presented by the petitioner, which had been retrieved from the dhaba and submitted as part of the case record. The petitioner lamented that the police had failed to seize this footage during the investigation.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the state of Punjab to file a detailed affidavit within two days, listing the matter for a hearing on March 28. The court also issued notice to the CBI.

Justice Moudgil also ordered the submission of CCTV footage from the dhaba and asked the state to clarify:

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— Which officer was informed about the incident but refused to act?

— Why was the FIR delayed despite medico-legal reports showing injuries to both the petitioners and the two police personnel, Constable Randhir Singh and Inspector Ronnie?

— Why was no alcohol test conducted on the accused? If conducted, why was the report not submitted?

At this point, the petitioners’ counsel intervened, stating that medical reports confirmed the colonel and his son were not under the influence of alcohol.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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Punjab and Haryana HC