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Punjab and Haryana High Court Slams Chandigarh Police for 'Deliberate Delay' in Arresting Police Personnel Involved in Assault on Indian Army Officer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj pulled up the Chandigarh Police for failing to arrest any of the accused Punjab Police personnel in the March 13 assault on a serving Indian Army officer, despite anticipatory bail having been denied nearly two months ago. The court directed the Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh, to be present in person on July 16 with a detailed explanation for the continued inaction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the case and the delay in FIR registration.
  • The court directed the transfer of the investigation to an IPS officer of the Chandigarh Police not belonging to the Punjab cadre.
  • Despite the transfer, no arrests have been made, and none of the accused officials have even been associated with the investigation.
  • The petition accused Chandigarh Police officers of deliberately shielding the accused under pressure from senior Punjab Police officials.
  • The petitioner alleged that the medico-legal reports (MLRs) of the accused police officials showed signs of overwriting, possibly fabricated to cover up the attack.
  • A fake Daily Diary Report (DDR No. 58 dated March 13) was allegedly entered at PS City, Samana, to create an alibi for one of the accused.

Statistics:

  • March 13: The assault on Indian Army officer Colonel P S Bath and his son by a group of Punjab Police officials.
  • March 22, 2025: FIR (No. 69) was finally registered at Civil Lines Police Station, Patiala.
  • April 2: The high court directed the transfer of the investigation to an IPS officer of the Chandigarh Police not belonging to the Punjab cadre.
  • May 23: Inspector Ronnie Singh's anticipatory bail plea was dismissed.
  • July 16: The court directed the Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh, to be present in person with a detailed explanation for the continued inaction.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com

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