The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against four Punjab Police inspectors in connection with the alleged assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son in Patiala in March this year, marking a significant milestone in the high-profile case.
According to sources, the chargesheet has been submitted before the Mohali CBI Court against Inspectors Harjinder Singh, Shaminder Singh, Harry Boparai, and Ronnie Singh. The charges include grievous hurt and wrongful restraint, and the case will now proceed to trial.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred on the intervening night of March 13–14, reportedly following a minor parking dispute near a dhaba in Patiala. As per Colonel Bath’s complaint, a group of plainclothes Punjab Police personnel, including the four inspectors and their subordinates, allegedly launched an unprovoked assault on him despite his identifying himself as an Army officer.
Colonel Bath suffered a fractured arm (or dislocated elbow), while his son sustained head injuries. The family also alleged threats of a “fake encounter”, snatching of the colonel’s identity card and mobile phone, and prolonged assault. CCTV footage of the incident later surfaced, triggering widespread public outrage.
Transfer of Probe to CBI
The initial investigation by Punjab Police and later the Chandigarh Police came under sharp criticism for delays and alleged bias, including the registration of an FIR against “unidentified persons” based on the dhaba owner’s complaint, while the colonel’s FIR was filed eight days later.
Following protests by ex-servicemen, sustained public pressure, and intervention by the Punjab Governor, the Punjab and Haryana High Court transferred the probe to the CBI in July 2025, citing a “tainted investigation”. The transfer order was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court in August, giving the CBI a clear mandate to investigate independently.
CBI Findings and Next Steps
After taking over the case, the CBI registered two separate FIRs—one based on Colonel Bath’s complaint (including serious charges such as attempt to murder), and another on the dhaba owner’s complaint. With the filing of the chargesheet on December 24, the agency has concluded its investigation against the primary accused and initiated the prosecution process.
The Indian Army, which had strongly pushed for a swift, transparent, and exemplary action, welcomed the legal progress. The case continues to be closely watched, seen as a test of accountability and rule of law, particularly in matters involving alleged misuse of police authority.
The filing of the chargesheet brings the case into its next phase, offering hope to the family and the wider defence community that justice will follow due process.
