The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Punjab Police inspector Ronnie Singh Salh in connection with the assault case of Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Patiala. The incident, which occurred over two months ago, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about police misconduct.
Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath accused 12 Punjab Police personnel of assaulting him and his son following a parking dispute outside a dhaba (roadside restaurant) in Patiala in March. According to Colonel Bath, the officers, including four of inspector rank, attacked him and his son without provocation. He alleged that they snatched his ID card and mobile phone and threatened him with a "fake encounter," all in public view and under CCTV camera coverage. The Colonel sustained a broken arm, while his son suffered a head injury during the assault.
Justice Anoop Chitkara, in his order, strongly criticized the actions of the police officers, stating, "This vile, uncivilised, pitiless and brutal way is not the manner in which a police force ought to behave with its people, anywhere, and especially, in a democratic country like ours." He described the incident as a "horrific, gut-wrenching incident" that showcased a complete misuse of police power. Justice Chitkara further added that even if the victims had wrongfully parked their car, the appropriate response would have been to issue a challan (ticket), not to resort to violence.
Following the incident, the Punjab Police registered a fresh FIR based on Colonel Bath's statement. The High Court had earlier directed the Chandigarh Police to investigate the case and complete the investigation within four months. Colonel Bath had also sought the transfer of the probe to the CBI or another independent agency, expressing concerns about the integrity of the initial investigation.
The rejection of Ronnie Singh Salh's anticipatory bail plea underscores the court's seriousness in addressing the allegations of police brutality and ensuring a fair and impartial investigation. Justice Chitkara observed that despite Colonel Bath informing the officers of his identity and showing his ID card, the police officers continued the assault, highlighting their "high headedness, cruelty, arrogance and lack of any empathy."
The incident has sparked public outrage and led to calls for accountability and police reform. The Punjab government has suspended several police officers in connection with the assault, and a special investigation team (SIT) is currently probing the matter.
The court's decision to deny anticipatory bail to Inspector Ronnie Singh Salh sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated and that those in positions of power will be held accountable for their conduct. The case remains under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected.
