NRI Jaspreet Singh’s Family Seeks Justice in Court Over Suspected Police Encounter in Patiala

Los Angeles/ July 23, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

A new petition has been submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court by Gurtej Singh Dhillon, demanding an impartial investigation into the alleged staged killing of 22-year-old NRI Jaspreet Singh by Punjab Police on March 13, 2025, in Patiala.
The petitioner, Gurtej Singh Dhillon, is related to Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath, a serving officer in the Indian Army. Dhillon claims that Colonel Bath and his son were physically assaulted by the same group of police personnel earlier that night near Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.

According to the official police version, Jaspreet Singh was suspected of kidnapping a minor and was killed in a gun battle after allegedly ignoring police signals to stop his car. The FIR states that Jaspreet, reportedly carrying a weapon, fired at police officers, injuring two, and was shot in retaliation.

However, Dhillon has alleged in the plea that the entire sequence was fabricated, carried out under the influence of alcohol, and driven by a misuse of power. He claims the officers involved had recently received accolades for prior operations, which may have emboldened them to stage the encounter.

The petition includes Jaspreet Singh’s autopsy report, which reveals seven injuries, including fatal point-blank wounds to his head and chest. Dhillon argues that these findings directly contradict the police's narrative and suggest that Jaspreet was executed at close range.

It has also been brought to the court’s attention that Jaspreet was living in Canada since 2022 as a student and had returned to India shortly before the incident. He was recently married. The petition states that his family is facing threats and pressure not to pursue legal action.

While the victim’s parents had earlier moved the court seeking a CBI investigation, Dhillon fears that their petition may be withdrawn under duress. This concern prompted him to file a separate plea to prevent the case from being suppressed.

The petition also sheds light on a worrying trend, stating that Punjab has witnessed around 20 similar encounter cases between February and July 2025. News articles included in the petition reflect public unease over the rise in police encounters and the lack of oversight.

Further, Dhillon has pointed out that the officers involved in Jaspreet Singh’s killing were not only publicly praised but also reportedly granted Rs 10 lakh in rewards and given promotions ahead of schedule.

Given the direct involvement of Punjab Police officials in the incident, the petitioner contends that a fair probe is impossible unless the case is handed over to an independent investigative body. It’s noteworthy that the High Court has already transferred the related assault case of Colonel Bath and his son to the CBI.

The fresh petition is anticipated to be heard in the coming days, while the earlier case is still set for a September 17 hearing.

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