Colonel assault case: Seven-member SIT begins probe

Speaking to The Indian Express, SIT head-Manjeet Sheoran said that “We have initiated investigation in the matter, and the report will be submitted after the inquiry is completed.”

The matter should not have been portrayed as Army versus Police as it’s a case of assault, which we will probe thoroughly and submit report after verifying all facts, said the SIT Head.

The SIT was formed following the order of Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the Chandigarh Police DGP to investigate the case and complete the probe within four months.

Sheoran, is currently posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Chandigarh, holding responsibilities for Headquarters, Intelligence, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Communication, and as Assistant Commandant General/Home Guards.

Earlier, Col Bath had moved the high court, seeking a CBI probe in the matter. Hearing the plea, the court ordered that the investigation be led by an IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, ensuring no officer from the Punjab cadre is involved.

The alleged assault occurred on the intervening night of March 13 and 14 at Jaswant Dhaba near Rajindra Hospital in Patiala where the colonel and his family were dining.

According to Col Bath, a group of men confronted them over their car’s parking, leading to an altercation. He alleged that one of them threatened to break their legs before punching him, rendering him unconscious. His son, Angad, was also assaulted. When Col Bath identified himself as an army officer, they allegedly snatched his ID card and phone before continuing the assault, according to the officer.

The Punjab Police registered an FIR days later only on March 22 despite being informed of the incident the same night. Initially, the Punjab government formed an SIT led by ADGP A S Rai, but on Col Bath’s plea, the high court ordered Chandigarh Police to take over the case.