Patiala, July 30 — Over four months after a serving Army officer was allegedly assaulted by police personnel, a departmental inquiry led by the Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police has recommended disciplinary action against four inspectors and two other officials. The recommendations, which include service deductions and suspension, come as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its parallel probe.
The inquiry, conducted by an SP-rank officer and reviewed by Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, found serious lapses by the officers involved in the alleged assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son.
“Based on the findings, I have recommended action. The accused officers will have the opportunity to respond,” Sharma said.
Officials familiar with the matter said the proposed disciplinary actions include a three-year deduction in service, denial of promotions, and suspension of salary increments for the same period.
“These officers will not be eligible for promotions or salary hikes for three years,” an official stated.
Additionally, the inquiry has proposed that all six officials be kept under suspension and posted outside of Patiala district going forward.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no arrests have been made since the incident occurred on the intervening night of March 13 and 14. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier transferred the case to the CBI, which has since registered an FIR but made no arrests.
The Patiala Police had initially filed an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against three inspectors—Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh, and Harjinder Dhillon—and other police personnel. They were booked under Sections 109 (abetment of attempt to murder), 310, 155(2), 117(2) (causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation). A fourth inspector was later added to the FIR under Sections 299 and 191.
According to the family, Colonel Bath and his son were attacked by more than a dozen plainclothes policemen outside a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital. They alleged that after being asked to move their car, an argument ensued, leading to the officers assaulting them with rods and sticks. Both victims were reportedly left seriously injured.
While the departmental inquiry marks a significant development, questions remain over the delay in arrests and the progress of the CBI probe.
