Seeking justice for her husband, Jasvinder Kaur meets Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh. Photo Credit: HT
The assault on Col Pushpinder Singh Bath continues to dominate headlines months after the shocking attack. As the investigation enters a crucial phase, the Chandigarh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has officially moved to initiate proclaimed offender proceedings against five elusive Punjab police personnel. New revelations from related Chandigarh cases indicate a broader pattern of police misconduct, casting serious doubts on law-and-order protocols.
Punjab Cops on the Run as SIT Takes Charge
Despite repeated raids over the past month, the five Punjab cops—Inspectors Ronnie Singh, Harjinder Dhillon, Harry Boparai, Shaminder Singh—and Constable Jai Singh have stayed one step ahead of the SIT, with none resigning to arrest. The SIT has filed charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder and grading offences like grievous hurt and rioting. With each failed raid, it becomes clearer that law enforcement misconduct may be being protected by institutional inertia.
Colonel Bath’s wife, Jaswinder Kaur, has met both the Punjab Governor and Chandigarh IG to demand swift action, accusing Punjab Police of tipping off the accused and enabling their escape. She further pressed for Lookout Circulars to be issued while demanding that the absconders, still on payroll, face disciplinary action for simply not showing up at their new postings.
Legal Pressure and Judicial Oversight
The Punjab and Haryana High Court initially transferred the probe to Chandigarh Police in early April and mandated a four-month deadline for the SIT to complete its investigation. In late May, it rejected anticipatory bail applications by key accused, including Ronnie Singh, following condemnatory remarks characterizing the assaults as “vile, uncivilised” and a gross misuse of power—even against a serving army officer—by Justice Anoop Chitkara.
This judicial scrutiny not only pressured local police agencies but also supported Jaswinder Kaur’s demands for accountability and transparency in pursuit of justice.
Systemic Pattern: More Cases in Spotlight
The Chandigarh Police’s SIT action finds echoes in other local policing controversies. In late May, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the booking and suspension of three Chandigarh officers—ASIs Sewa Singh and Ranjit, plus Senior Constable Deepak—after they allegedly assaulted two youths, including a National Youth Awardee, at Hallomajra police post. The injuries, some of them serious, reignited public anger over heavy-handed policing methods.
These incidents reflect a worrying pattern of law enforcement personnel abusing power with minimal deterrents, prompting scrutiny from judicial bodies and civil society.
What This Means for Justice and Reforms
Chandigarh police are taking the necessary step to declare the fleeing Punjab cops as proclaimed offenders, enabling courts to attach their properties and permit more powerful arrest directives. Strong observations from the High Court signal zero tolerance for police overreach—even when carried out by fellow officers—establishing a precedent for judicial influence in such cases. By involving the Governor and demanding transparency, Colonel Bath’s family has drawn important public support. Their active involvement ensures the case cannot be swept under the carpet without accountability. These unfolding events are a stark reminder that remand and bail battles are secondary to addressing systemic issues within rural police operations. They emphasize policing reforms—not just reactive investigations.
The Way Forward
With proclaimed offender proceedings now in motion, the SIT must intensify efforts to track the absconding officers. Punjab authorities need to support this process transparently, issuing Lookout Circulars and enforcing disciplinary action. Meanwhile, it’s clear that the public and judiciary are watching diligently, and any perceived cover-up would harm institutional trust. The assault on Col Bath is more than a high-profile case—it has emerged as a litmus test for whether India’s institutions can truly uphold the rule of law. It challenges the narrative that police are above reproach and demands that officers responsible for abusing their power be prosecuted—regardless of their badges.
