X erupts in anger over alleged assault on army colonel and son by Punjab cops over car parking

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. (Image: @BalbirSinghMLA/X)

On the night of March 13, 2025, Colonel Pushpinder Bath, an officer of the Indian Army currently posted at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, and his son Angad Singh were allegedly assaulted by Punjab Police personnel in Patiala over a parking dispute. The incident occurred outside a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital and was captured on CCTV, with footage subsequently circulating on social media platforms.

According to reports, Colonel Bath and his son had stopped for a meal when police officers in civilian attire approached them, requesting that they move their vehicle to accommodate the officers' car. A disagreement ensued, escalating into a physical altercation where the Colonel and his son were allegedly beaten with baseball bats and sharp-edged weapons. Both sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

At a press conference in Patiala, Colonel Bath's wife, Jaswinder Bath, recounted that her husband and son were attacked after objecting to the language used by the police officers when asked to move their car. She alleged that the officers assaulted them using baseball bats and sharp weapons, resulting in serious injuries. She also claimed that there was a delay in recording the victims' statements and that no First Information Report (FIR) had been filed despite repeated requests.

Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dr Nanak Singh, stated that an FIR had been registered based on the statement of a dhaba owner and that an investigation was underway. He confirmed that 12 police personnel, including three inspectors, had been suspended in connection with the incident, and a departmental inquiry had been initiated, to be concluded within 45 days. The SSP also issued an apology on behalf of the Punjab Police, assuring that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that justice would be served.

Public Outcry and Reactions

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Former Chinar Corps Commander, Lieutenant General (Retd) KJS Dhillon, described the incident as "atrocious" and called for immediate action from the Punjab Chief Minister and the Director General of Police. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President, Sukhbir Singh Badal, criticised the Punjab government for allegedly shielding the police officers involved, demanding their immediate dismissal and arrest.

Day 5 .. Serving Army Colonel beaten by Patiala police with broken arm- FIR still against unidentified personnel- No arrestsAngst of serving Army personnel & Veterans of @adgpi against the police in a border state like Punjab is something only Pakistan wantsSo stop playing

March 18, 2025

In a related development, a protest was organised by ex-servicemen in Patiala, expressing solidarity with Colonel Bath and his family, and demanding swift justice.

Ex-Servicemen bodies in Punjab gear up to protest against the inaction of Patiala Police in the Colonel assault case. Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) March 19, 2025

See some more reactions here:

Disgraceful behavior by @PunjabPoliceInd!A serving Army Colonel was brutally assaulted by Patiala Police officers, yet no proper action has been taken despite CCTV evidence. pic.twitter.com/UIsuXAgm5a

Balbir Singh Sidhu (@BalbirSinghMLA) March 17, 2025

Hope due action is taken by concerned civil administration authorities and also @westerncomd_IA Colonel Rohit Dev (RDX)(@RDXThinksThat) March 18, 2025

If this is happening to serving Army officers I wld hate to fathom what do they do to the commoners.

Levina(@LevinaNeythiri) March 18, 2025

It is deplorable that our army's valiant Colonel and his son are subjected to the brutality of the Punjab police. Besides the obvious condemnation of these brutal acts of violence, the strictest action at the earliest is necessitated. The culprits of the Punjab police should be RAJNI KANT AVASTHI (@BACRONYMSMASTER) March 18, 2025

This incident has drawn parallels to a 1992 episode where an Army officer was assaulted by the police in Chandigarh, leading to significant tension between the Army and the local police force.

As of now, the investigation into the incident is ongoing. The suspended police officers are awaiting the outcome of the departmental inquiry, and authorities have assured that appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.