High Court Raps Punjab Govt For Delay In Arresting Policemen Who Allegedly Assaulted Army Officer

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today pulled up the Punjab Government for not yet arresting the Punjab Police Personnel allegedly involved in the assault of an Army Officer.

Justice Sandeep Moudgil, referring to the affidavit submitted by the State, said that "despite clear allegations and the identification of policemen, why have they not been arrested so far, and what has the police done so far?"

When the State asked for time to respond, the Court said that the court cannot indicate a delay by allowing more time. "There is a delay in lodging the DDR and now the arrest...You are only buying time,” it added.

Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, currently posted at the Army headquarters in New Delhi, alleged that on the night of March 13, four Inspector-rank officers of Punjab Police and their armed subordinates attacked him and his son without any provocation.

"Despite the seriousness of the offence, the local police failed to take action. Distress calls made to senior officials were ignored, and instead of registering an FIR based on the petitioner's statement, a bogus FIR under 'affray against unknown persons was filed on the complaint of an unrelated third party. The petitioner's family had to approach senior police officers and the Hon'ble Governor of Punjab before a proper subsequent FIR was eventually registered - after 8 days," stated the plea.

Significant to note that the army officer has sought transfer of investigation to a Central Agency, citing "conflict of interest, delay and impartial investigation" by the Punjab Police.

In an affidavit filed today, the State informed the Court that all accused Police Personnel have been placed under suspension and departmental proceedings for major punishment have been initiated against them. It was also submitted that a high-level special investigation team has been set up to conduct the investigation in a "fair and expeditious manner".

Expressing dissatisfaction with the affidavit filed, the Court sought an explanation for not arresting the accused police men and asked how many FIRs were registered in the Colonel Bath assault case during the period of delay on the pretext of farmers' agitation.

“Whether it would suffice to place four accused police officials under suspension and transfer four inspectors out of the bounds and jurisdiction of the Patiala district police?", it added.

On delay in lodging FIR, the Court observed, “it shows no faith in the investigating agency. What will you do in future is unknown.... You may, or may not, do the needful.”

The matter is listed for Thursday for further consideration.

Title: COL. PUSHPINDER SINGH BATH V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANOTHER