The wife of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, who was allegedly assaulted by 12 Punjab Police personnel over a parking dispute, led a protest on Saturday outside the Patiala Deputy Commissioner's office. Several ex-servicemen joined the demonstration, demanding swift action against the accused officers.

The protest came a day after the Punjab Police filed a fresh FIR based on Colonel Bath’s statement and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite the inquiry. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, has also drawn political attention, with BJP leader and former MP Preneet Kaur calling for an impartial probe involving both Army and police officials.

Family Demands Justice After Brutal Assault

Jasvinder Kaur Bath, the Colonel’s wife, accused the police officers of “brutally thrashing” her husband and son and urged authorities to ensure justice without delay. Recounting the ordeal, she stated that the officers acted with extreme aggression, causing serious injuries to both victims.

The alleged assault took place on the night of March 13-14 near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. Colonel Bath and his son were eating at a roadside eatery when a group of police officers in civilian clothing asked them to move their vehicle. When the Colonel objected to their tone, the officers allegedly attacked him and his son.

The attack left Colonel Bath with a broken arm, while his son suffered a deep head wound. Jasvinder Kaur Bath described the assault as a “pack of wolves” pouncing on her family, calling for a high-level investigation, possibly by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Political Outcry and Demand for Joint Investigation

BJP leader Preneet Kaur condemned the attack, stating, “As a citizen of India and the wife of an ex-Army officer (former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh), I stand in complete solidarity with the assaulted officer and his family. I demand an impartial probe so that the guilty are punished.”

Speaking to reporters in Patiala, she insisted that Army officials should be part of the SIT. “Since the Army, government, and police are involved, a joint SIT with Army and police officials, along with a judge, must be formed,” she emphasized.

Punjab Government’s Response

Following mounting pressure, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria intervened on Thursday, instructing the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to register an FIR based on Colonel Bath’s statement. The Punjab Police confirmed on Friday that an FIR had been filed at the Civil Lines police station, naming the accused officers and detailing their actions.

A high-level SIT has been formed to investigate the case, comprising SPS Parmar – Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Sandeep Malik – Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur and Manpreet Singh – Superintendent of Police (Rural), SAS Nagar.

The Punjab Police spokesperson announced that the Patiala Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) had been ordered to immediately transfer the accused officers. All 12 officers involved in the incident have been suspended, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against them.

Additionally, the Punjab government has directed the Additional Director General of Police (Security) to provide security for Colonel Bath and his family.

Protests Persist as SIT Investigates the Case

Ex-Army personnel and civilians continue to protest, demanding justice for the Colonel and his son. The SIT’s investigation remains underway, with calls for a transparent and impartial inquiry growing louder. As the case unfolds, the demand for strict action against the accused officers has intensified, putting the Punjab government under scrutiny over its handling of the incident.