Punjab Police Under Scrutiny After Colonel's Assault

The Punjab Police is facing criticism after an incident in which Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son were assaulted by 12 police personnel over a parking dispute in Patiala, highlighting deeper issues within the force, including inadequate training and political interference.

The incident has sparked outrage, with the family demanding a CBI probe and alleging inhuman treatment by the police. The Punjab government has ordered a magisterial probe, but the family has rejected it, citing a lack of trust in the state government. The case has also raised concerns about the influence of vested interests and political compulsions within the police force, which can hinder effective leadership and decision-making.

The assault on Colonel Bath and his son is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger problem within the Punjab Police. The force is plagued by a lack of periodic training for lower-rank personnel, which can lead to inefficiency and a decline in overall effectiveness. The directive style of command and control, which gives too much autonomy to lower-level officials, can also contribute to the problem.

The case has drawn attention from senior ex-Army officers and other ex-servicemen, who have stood in solidarity with the Colonel and his family. The Punjab government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident and has directed the DIG Patiala Range to transfer the concerned police officials out of Patiala district.

The incident highlights the need for reform within the Punjab Police, including regular training and motivation for personnel, as well as measures to eliminate the influence of vested interests and political compulsions. Only then can the force effectively tackle the challenges it faces and restore its effectiveness.