**Colonel Bath Attack Case Transferred to CBI by Punjab and Haryana High Court**
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred the investigation of the Colonel Pushpinder Bath attack case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision came after Colonel Bath’s family filed a petition on July 12, requesting judicial intervention due to dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation led by the Chandigarh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).
During the proceedings, Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj expressed concerns regarding the SIT’s handling of the case, suggesting that the accused were being shielded by the investigation team. The court’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI follows a four-month investigation that the Bath family described as inadequate, particularly in light of allegations against Punjab Police officials.
Jaswinder Kaur Bath, Colonel Bath’s wife, voiced her relief and gratitude after the court’s ruling, stating, “We were hopeful the Chandigarh Police would deliver justice, but instead, they went a step further and revoked Section 307 from the FIR.” The family has accused Punjab Police officials of staging a fake encounter and assaulting Colonel Bath during a parking dispute in Patiala, which left him with serious injuries.
The family has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation, particularly after the SIT’s decision to revoke IPC Section 307, which pertains to attempted murder. They have called for departmental inquiries against officers involved in the case, alleging negligence and undue influence from the Punjab Police. Additionally, they reported an alleged bribe offer of Rs 10 crore to withdraw the case, claiming that government officials were protecting the accused.
The incident in question occurred in March when Colonel Bath and his son were allegedly assaulted by 12 Punjab Police personnel during a parking dispute. The attack, which was captured on CCTV, resulted in Colonel Bath suffering a fractured arm and his son sustaining a head injury. An FIR was filed a week later, naming several inspectors who were subsequently suspended and transferred out of Patiala for the investigation. However, nearly four months later, the accused remain at large despite extensive search efforts by both Punjab and Chandigarh Police.
The family has also urged the CBI to investigate a related case involving the alleged fake encounter of NRI Jaspreet Singh, reportedly linked to the same police inspectors.
In conclusion, the transfer of the Colonel Bath attack case to the CBI marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the Bath family, who have faced numerous challenges in their quest for accountability.
**FAQ**
**Q: What prompted the transfer of the Colonel Bath attack case to the CBI?**
A: The transfer was prompted by concerns over the inadequate investigation by the Chandigarh Police’s SIT, as expressed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Bath family.
