Punjab DGP promises strict action in Colonel assault case: ‘Don’t make it Army vs police issue'

Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 25 (Tuesday) directed the Punjab government to file a detailed reply by March 28, asking it to explain the delay in the registration of an FIR in the army colonel's assault case

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav strongly condemned the assault on an Army Colonel and his son in Patiala on March 13, stating that anyone responsible for attacking a serving army officer will face strict legal action.

Addressing a press conference, the DGP said, “Ever since the unfortunate incident of assault on an army officer by some police officials which occurred on the intervening night of 13-14th March 2025 came to light, the continuous contact between the Army authorities and the civil administration has helped in speedy resolution of the matter and ensuring delivery of justice to the aggrieved Army officer.”

On March 22, an FIR was filed following Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath's statement, in which he identified the police officers who assaulted him.

To ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation, a high-level special investigation team (SIT), under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, SPS Parmar, has been set up, Yadav said, adding that the police officers involved have been suspended and transferred out of district Patiala to maintain fairness in the investigation.

“Security cover has been provided to the family of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath... Punjab Police reiterates its highest respect for the Indian Army and is committed to uphold and maintain the dignity of Army officers. Any person who has assaulted a serving army officer shall be dealt with severely in accordance with the law,” the DGP stated further.

“The unfortunate incident of assault on a serving Army officer is an aberration which will be dealt with in accordance with law. I would appeal to everyone not to indulge in criticising the situation or making the present situation into an Army versus police one. The Army and the Punjab police are united in their resolve to work together for national interest,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 25 (Tuesday) directed the Punjab government to file a detailed reply by March 28, asking it to explain the delay in the registration of an FIR in the army colonel's assault case.

Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, who has accused 12 Punjab Police personnel of assaulting him and his son over a parking dispute, on Monday filed a plea in the high court, seeking to transfer the probe to the CBI or another independent agency. He alleged in the plea that a fair investigation was impossible under the Punjab Police.

After the hearing before the court on Tuesday, Deepinder Singh Virk, one of the counsels representing Colonel Bath, said the high court has directed the state of Punjab to file a detailed reply by Friday.