The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a decisive step in the high-profile assault case of retired Colonel Karamjeet Singh by filing a chargesheet against four serving officers of the Punjab Police. The federal agency presented the document before a special court in Mohali, marking a significant development in a case mired in allegations of a cover-up by the state police force.
The Charges and the Accused Officers
The CBI's chargesheet names four accused: Inspector Hardeep Singh, Sub-Inspector Rajanpreet Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lakhwinder Singh, and ASI Sanjiv Kumar. All were attached to the Mataur police station in Mohali at the time of the incident. The agency has charged them under sections pertaining to voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention under the Indian Penal Code.
The case stems from a disturbing incident on the night of December 10, 2022. Colonel Karamjeet Singh (retd), a resident of Sector 70 in Mohali, was allegedly assaulted by these police personnel. The retired army officer sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh for treatment.
From Punjab Police Probe to CBI Investigation
The journey of this case to the CBI's doorstep is a tale of alleged institutional failure. Initially, the matter was investigated by the Punjab Police itself. However, the victim and his family raised serious objections, alleging a deliberate attempt to shield the guilty officers and weaken the case.
Following immense public pressure and the gravity of the accusations against its own personnel, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took a notable step. In March 2023, the state government recommended a CBI probe into the assault. The central agency officially registered the case on April 20, 2023, taking over the investigation from the Punjab Police.
The CBI's involvement was seen as crucial for ensuring an impartial investigation. The chargesheet now filed suggests the agency found sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused officers, validating the concerns about the initial probe.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The filing of the chargesheet by the CBI is a major victory for Colonel Karamjeet Singh's quest for justice. It brings the case to the trial stage, where the evidence will be examined in court. This development is being closely watched as a test case for accountability within the police force.
The case has highlighted issues of police brutality and the challenges citizens face in getting justice when the accused are from the law enforcement machinery itself. The transfer of the investigation to the CBI set a precedent, showing that state governments can seek external probes in sensitive cases involving their own officials.
All four accused police officers are currently out on bail. The next steps will involve the framing of charges by the special CBI court in Mohali, followed by the trial. The outcome will be a significant marker for police conduct and judicial accountability in Punjab.
