Badal accuses Mann of shielding Punjab police officers

Sukhbir Singh Badal, a former leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), criticized Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allegedly protecting police officers involved in the assault of Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son. The incident took place in Patiala on March 13, where both were injured, with Colonel Bath suffering a fractured arm and his son having head injuries. Bath's wife is seeking justice as the police have only filed a case against unknown individuals. Badal called this incident a disgrace to the Punjab police and the state. He requested that the responsible officers be dismissed and arrested. The clash began outside a roadside eatery when police, in civilian clothes, asked Colonel Bath to move his vehicle, leading to a violent confrontation. Public outrage followed after video footage of the attack circulated online, especially among the defense community. In response to the incident, the Patiala senior superintendent of police suspended 12 officers. Despite this action, an FIR has only been filed based on the statement of a local eatery owner, with no arrests made yet. Retired Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon also expressed concern, emphasizing the need for accountability and highlighting the frustration felt by serving and retired military personnel regarding police conduct in Punjab.