Punjab Police Officers Suspended for Assaulting Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, SIT to Investigate

Patiala, March 22, 2025 – Four Punjab Police officers have been suspended and transferred for allegedly assaulting Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Patiala. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against them, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident, officials confirmed on Saturday.

Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh stated that the officers in question—Inspector Ronni Singh, Inspector Harjinder Dhillon, Inspector Harry Boparai, and Inspector Shaminder—have been named in the FIR and removed from the state to prevent any influence on the investigation. The SIT, led by ADGP SPS Parmar, will oversee the case, and security has been provided to Colonel Bath and his family, he added.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured swift action, emphasizing the government’s commitment to justice. He stated that the officers were transferred to ensure an impartial probe, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with concerns over police misconduct and demands for accountability. Colonel Bath’s wife, Jaswinder Kaur Bath, vowed to continue her fight for justice, stating that this was not a political matter but a fight for the people of Punjab.

The assault reportedly took place on the night of March 13-14, and Colonel Bath’s official complaint named the officers involved. Following this, Punjab’s Director of the Bureau of Investigation set up a high-level SIT, including Sandeep Malik, SSP Hoshiarpur, and Manpreet Singh, SP Rural SAS Nagar, to ensure a fair and expeditious probe.

The SIT has been instructed to conduct daily investigations, collect evidence, and ensure legal proceedings against those responsible. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police Security Wing has been directed to provide round-the-clock protection to Colonel Bath and his family.

This development marks a significant step in addressing police brutality concerns in Punjab, with authorities under pressure to deliver justice swiftly and transparently.