In a major development, the Punjab & Haryana High Court on Thursday transferred the Colonel Pushpinder Bath assault case to Chandigarh Police. Not only this, but the High Court also made it clear that there will be no officers from the Punjab Police who will be part of the new investigative team. However, Punjab Police will have to cooperate in the investigation. The High Court further stated that this investigation has to be completed in 4 months. A new investigation team will be formed in 3 days.
Although Punjab Police had formed an SIT in this case, which had collected evidence and also recorded statements, the High Court rejected that argument of the Punjab Police. It is worth noting that the Colonel had demanded a CBI investigation. During a hearing earlier, the High Court had asked the Punjab government for a response. After being dissatisfied with their response, the court issued this order.
What happened in the last hearing?
During the last hearing, the High Court had questioned the Punjab Police on the seven-day delay in registering a first information report (FIR). "Why did you not register the FIR when you learned of the incident? Why this delay? What is the explanation?" asked Justice Sandeep Moudgil.
The Colonel, posted at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, has alleged that he was assaulted on the night of March 13 when they were at a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.
Twelve police personnel, including three inspectors, were suspended and a departmental probe was ordered against them in connection with a brawl in which they allegedly “kicked, punched and brutally assaulted” the Colonel and his son.
Four days after the incident, the police apologised to the Army official and assured "strict action against the erring cops".