Chandigarh: In a major development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday handed over the investigation into the assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision came after the victim’s family expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted earlier by the court.
Colonel Bath, a serving officer with the Cabinet Secretariat, was allegedly assaulted along with his son by Punjab Police personnel at a roadside eatery near Patiala in March this year. The altercation reportedly arose over a parking issue. Colonel Bath sustained a fractured arm, while his son suffered a head injury. The incident drew public attention and concern after the initial delay in registering the FIR and questions over police inaction.
Though an SIT led by Chandigarh Police officials was formed on the High Court’s directions in April, Colonel Bath approached the court again, alleging that the probe lacked seriousness. In his petition, he stated that no arrests had been made, non-bailable warrants were not issued, crucial CCTV footage had gone missing, and medico-legal documents appeared manipulated. The family demanded that either the investigation be transferred to the CBI or the SIT be reconstituted.
Taking note of these concerns, the court summoned SIT head SP Manjeet Sheoran to explain the delays and lapses. After hearing the matter, the court ruled in favour of the family and formally handed over the investigation to the CBI.
With the central agency now in charge, the family hopes for a fair and impartial investigation into the case.
