The sensational attack case of Army Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son by Punjab Police officers in Patiala has raised serious questions about the handling of those who serve the nation. Jaswinder Kaur Bath, the wife of the Colonel, has been outspoken about the ordeal her family has had to face, exposing a seriously disturbing truth of abuse of authority and injustice.
Struggle for Justice
On March 13-14, 2025, Colonel Bath and his son were reportedly attacked by police officers close to Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. The attack reportedly started from a minor parking issue that grew into a ferocious attack by police officers, some of whom were not wearing uniforms. The Colonel was thus left with a broken arm, while his son had a severe head injury.
Even though the incident was serious, justice did not come quickly. Jaswinder Kaur Bath disclosed that when they attempted to meet Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, they were kept waiting for an hour and a half, only for the officer to depart without hearing them out. She expressed her deep disappointment, stating, “He is an army officer’s son, but he still did so.”
Governor’s Intervention and Police Resistance
In her pursuit of justice, she met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who was visibly moved after seeing the brutality inflicted on her husband and son. The Governor intervened personally, calling up the DGP and ordering him to see that a proper FIR was lodged, with the names of all the accused officers. The Punjab police, however, remained unwilling to name some of the personnel, reportedly because they are “encounter specialists” with accolades and upcoming promotions.
This resistance has led to serious questions about the accountability of law enforcement. Jaswinder Kaur Bath openly challenged the statements made by Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh, who had stated that a magisterial inquiry had been set up but that the FIR could not be altered. She demanded to know why a transparent and fair probe was being resisted.
Public Support and Political Avoidance
As public outrage grew, several politicians reached out to Bath’s family, but she refused to engage with them. “This is not a political fight,” she declared, emphasizing that her husband’s service to the nation was being dishonored by those entrusted with upholding the law.
In the face of growing pressure, a new FIR (No. 69) was eventually lodged on March 21, 2025, against 12 police officers who were part of the attack. The Punjab Police formed a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fair investigation. The accused officers were suspended, and departmental proceedings were initiated against them.
Soldier’s Service vs. Systemic Disrespect
The assault on Colonel Bath has had a permanent effect on his family, his son in the first place, who declared losing confidence in the nation’s system. His mother, Jaswinder Kaur Bath, now struggles to revive that confidence not only for his son but also for all the soldiers who pay the ultimate price for the nation.
She also rejected baseless allegations that her husband was drunk, bringing government hospital medical reports to disprove them. Video evidence notwithstanding, it took more than a week to file an FIR, coupled with systemic delays and bureaucratic resistance, even if the victim happened to be wearing the country’s uniform.
A Call for Respect and Justice
The unfortunate reality exposed by this case is that a soldier who has dedicated his life to protecting the nation is not safe in his own homeland. The violence, the lapse in justice, and the institutional protection of perpetrators demonstrate an appalling pattern of abuse of power within law enforcement.
A soldier struggles for the honor of the country, for its citizens, and for the very law under which it appears to have let him down. When those who stand as the first line of defense against external threats are subjected to such humiliation and disrespect, it is a question not just of law and order but of national conscience.
A soldier who saves the nation isn’t safe. The one who sacrifices his life should be given respect, but what are we offering? Disrespect and hurt.
It is time for the nation to wake up, demand justice, and ensure that those who serve under the tricolor are treated with the dignity they deserve.
