Chandigarh – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a formal chargesheet in a Mohali court against four Punjab Police officers in connection with the alleged assault on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son in March 2025. The development comes nearly five months after the Punjab and Haryana High Court transferred the investigation from the state police to the CBI, citing concerns over impartiality and the need for a credible probe.

The chargesheet names four officers, including Inspector Ronnie Singh, who are accused of attacking Colonel Bath and his son during a roadside altercation over a parking dispute in Patiala. The incident reportedly took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14, while the colonel and his son were dining at a local dhaba. According to Colonel Bath’s complaint, the assailants, comprising inspector-rank officers and their armed subordinates, assaulted him and his son without provocation. They allegedly snatched his identification card and mobile phone, threatened him with a “fake encounter,” and carried out the attack in public view under CCTV surveillance.

As a result of the assault, Colonel Bath sustained a broken arm, while his son suffered a head injury. The complainant had expressed serious doubts over the possibility of a fair investigation under the Punjab Police, prompting legal intervention.

Initially, in April 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had transferred the probe to the Chandigarh Police with a four-month timeline for completion. However, Colonel Bath filed a fresh plea requesting an independent investigation, preferably by the CBI, citing concerns of bias and potential obstruction in the state police investigation.

In July, the High Court acceded to the request, transferring the investigation to the CBI and reprimanding the Chandigarh Police for creating “loopholes” in the preliminary probe. Following this, the CBI re-registered two separate FIRs originally filed at the Civil Lines Police Station in Patiala—one lodged by Colonel Bath and the other by the dhaba owner. The FIRs have been filed under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering assault and related offenses.

The CBI’s chargesheet is a critical step in moving the case forward in the judicial process. It lays out detailed allegations against the accused officers, based on evidence including witness statements, medical reports, and CCTV footage from the dhaba. The move signals the agency’s intent to ensure accountability, uphold rule of law, and deliver a transparent investigation, particularly given the high-profile nature of the complainant and the public concerns raised over police conduct.

Colonel Bath, a retired officer, had repeatedly stressed that the alleged assault and intimidation represented a serious abuse of power and demanded an impartial probe. The involvement of the CBI is expected to bring credibility to the proceedings and prevent any potential interference from local law enforcement agencies.

The Mohali court is now expected to take cognizance of the chargesheet and initiate the trial process, which could include framing of charges, recording of witness statements, and examination of forensic evidence. The case has drawn attention nationwide as it underscores the accountability of law enforcement personnel, especially when accused of misconduct against citizens, including former armed forces personnel.

The incident also highlights broader concerns regarding policing standards, use of authority, and the mechanisms available to victims to seek redress against alleged abuses of power. With the CBI now handling the case, there is an expectation of a thorough and impartial inquiry leading to legal recourse for the victims.

The filing of the chargesheet marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing judicial process, reaffirming the need for transparency and adherence to law in cases involving alleged police misconduct. Authorities have indicated that the investigation will continue to examine all aspects of the case, including the roles of each accused officer, procedural lapses, and any supporting evidence that may corroborate the claims made by Colonel Bath and witnesses.

The case has drawn widespread media and public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of multiple police personnel. Legal experts suggest that the proceedings could set an important precedent for handling cases where law enforcement officers are accused of assaulting citizens, reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law, irrespective of their official position.

As the case progresses, it is expected that the Mohali court will take stringent measures to ensure the safety of the complainant and witnesses, while providing a fair trial to the accused. The CBI’s chargesheet now forms the basis for the next phase of legal proceedings, which could culminate in a detailed trial and eventual judicial determination of culpability.

In summary, the filing of the chargesheet by the CBI against four Punjab Police officers in the Colonel Bath assault case represents a significant step toward justice and accountability. It underscores the critical role of independent investigation agencies in maintaining public trust in law enforcement, while highlighting the judiciary’s oversight function in ensuring impartiality and fair process in cases involving allegations of abuse of authority.