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Punjab & Haryana HC hands over probe into Colonel Bath assault case to CBI

The court passed this order on Wednesday citing failure of Chandigarh Police to conduct a fair and effective probe

Reported by:  Preetinder Mehta  Edited by:  Jasleen Kaur -- July 16th 2025 11:51 AM -- Updated: July 16th 2025 11:53 AM
Punjab & Haryana HC hands over probe into Colonel Bath assault case to CBI

Punjab & Haryana HC hands over probe into Colonel Bath assault case to CBI

PTC Web Desk:  In a major development in the alleged assault case involving Indian Army Colonel Pushpinder Bath and his son in Patiala, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation. The court passed this order on Wednesday, citing the failure of the Chandigarh Police to conduct a fair and effective probe.

Earlier, the investigation was being handled by the Chandigarh Police, but the court observed that the Union Territory police had not demonstrated adequate progress or impartiality in handling the sensitive case.


Colonel Bath’s wife welcomed the court’s decision, stating it brought a sense of relief and renewed hope that justice would now be served. She added that a formal order from the court would soon clarify the time frame for the CBI to complete its investigation.

The petition submitted to the court highlighted three key concerns:

Lack of arrests despite FIR and SIT formation: It has been over three months since the FIR was registered and the case was transferred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), yet not a single arrest has been made.

Non-compliance with assurances made in court: During a previous hearing, when Inspector Roni’s petition was being reviewed, the court had asked the investigating officer if arrests would be made should the petition be dismissed. The officer had affirmed this in court, but no action has been taken to date.

Concerns over bias and misuse of power: Colonel Bath, currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, described the incident as one of extreme cruelty, arrogance, and inhumane behaviour. He expressed concern that those entrusted with upholding the law were instead misusing their power. It was also alleged that the Chandigarh Police had failed to act under pressure from senior Punjab Police officials.

The incident took place during the night of March 13-14 in Patiala, when Colonel Bath and his son were reportedly assaulted. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the local police initially failed to act. It was only after the matter reached the Ministry of Defence and the Army Headquarters that action was taken. Nine days later, a named FIR was registered, and 12 police personnel, including five inspectors, were suspended.

This case was later raised in the Punjab Legislative Assembly and eventually brought before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Following initial hearings, the High Court assigned the investigation to the Chandigarh Police and instructed them to conclude the probe by August.

The Chandigarh Police had formed an SIT, which visited the crime scene, recreated the incident, and recorded statements from staff at the roadside eatery (dhaba) where the incident occurred.

About a month ago, Colonel Bath's wife had also met  Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to request that the case be handed over to a central agency like the CBI.

Taking all facts into consideration, the High Court has now formally entrusted the investigation to the CBI.

- PTC NEWS

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