A major controversy has resurfaced in Punjab after the Punjab Police withdrew the suspension of Inspector Harjinder Singh Dhillon, one of the officers linked to the alleged assault of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, a serving Indian Army officer, and his son. The decision has triggered renewed public anger, with many questioning the accountability mechanisms within the police force.
According to reporting from The Indian Express, Colonel Bath has formally written to the Punjab Director General of Police, objecting to Dhillon’s reinstatement and his new posting in Mohali. The Colonel has demanded that Dhillon be transferred out of the Ropar Range to ensure that the ongoing investigation remains impartial and free from influence.
The case itself dates back to March 2025, when Colonel Bath and his son were allegedly assaulted by multiple Patiala Police personnel. The incident, which reportedly lasted nearly 45 minutes and involved officers in both uniform and civilian clothing, sparked widespread condemnation across the country. In the immediate aftermath, 12 police personnel were suspended, and a fresh FIR was registered based on the Colonel’s statement.
As the case progressed, the Punjab & Haryana High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing concerns about the integrity of the initial inquiry. The CBI later filed a chargesheet against several officers, highlighting serious lapses in the original police investigation. A Special CBI Court in Mohali subsequently summoned five officers to stand trial.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing judicial process, Inspector Dhillon’s suspension was withdrawn in early 2026. This move has reignited public criticism, with many questioning why officers facing such serious accusations are being reinstated before the trial concludes. The reinstatement also fits into a broader pattern noted by national media, where multiple suspended officers in Punjab have been quietly returned to duty within months.
Colonel Bath’s protest letter underscores the concerns shared by many: that reinstating officers under investigation risks undermining public trust and could compromise the fairness of the proceedings. The case continues to move through the courts, but the administrative decisions surrounding it have become a controversy of their own.
📅 Timeline of Key Events
March 13, 2025 — Assault Incident
Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son are allegedly assaulted by Patiala Police personnel, some in civilian clothes, reportedly using baseball bats.
The incident triggers widespread public outrage.
March 2025 — Immediate Police Action
12 police personnel are suspended.
A new FIR is filed based on the Colonel’s detailed statement.
Mid–Late 2025 — Case Escalates
The family approaches the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
The investigation is transferred to the CBI.
December 25–26, 2025 — CBI Chargesheet
CBI files a chargesheet against four inspectors in a Mohali court.
Inspector Ronnie Singh is named the primary accused.
Charges include grievous injuries and wrongful restraint.
January 19, 2026 — Court Summons
A Special CBI Court in Mohali summons five Punjab Police personnel to stand trial.
CBI highlights major lapses in the original Patiala Police investigation.
February 27, 2026 — Suspension Withdrawn
The Indian Express reports that Inspector Harjinder Singh Dhillon’s suspension has been withdrawn.
Dhillon is posted to Mohali.
Colonel Bath writes to the DGP protesting the reinstatement and requesting Dhillon’s transfer out of the Ropar Range.