Senior Journalist, Batala / Gurdaspur/ CHANDIGARH.
In the case of assault on senior journalist Balwinder Kumar Bhalla, the court has rejected the bail plea of the police officers on the ground that they used cruel and disproportionate force. The court stressed that granting bail in such a case will send the wrong signal and will encourage misuse of power. With this decision of the court, it is now almost certain that the alleged criminal police officers will go to jail.
At present, sources have revealed that both the alleged criminals have gone underground after the court’s decision. Not only this, now an investigation committee has also been formed against them after the order of the District Batala Police Chief. The committee was appointed under the leadership of a DSP. An order was issued to the investigation committee to submit its report as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Organization issued an order to the Punjab Police Director to take strict action against the criminal police officers, demanding an impartial investigation into the entire matter. Now it remains to be seen how seriously the police takes action in this matter.
A look at the points presented in the court……?
The accused SI Mandeep Singh filed an anticipatory bail plea through his advocate Naveen Gupta. The accused’s advocate used every trick on his behalf to save his client. The court also listened to his every argument with utmost seriousness, but on the basis of the evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution, especially the (CCTV) report, the court gave the verdict in favor of Bhalla and rejected the defense’s argument and clearly refused to grant anticipatory bail.
Let us tell you that in this case, Civil Line Police Station had initially registered a case against unknown persons. When the scope of investigation of the case increased, the police named two police officers SI Mandeep Singh and SI Surjeet Singh in this case. In the investigation against them, it was proved that they beat up senior journalist Balwinder Kumar Bhalla very badly outside the hotel. In such a situation, Bhalla fainted badly.
The court also accepted that the CCTV footage clearly shows how the alleged police officers are beating Bhalla badly. Bhalla’s medical report also revealed 7 serious injuries. In such a situation, the assault on Bhalla is confirmed in this report. Here it also came to light that the alleged police officers had used a sharp object on Bhalla.
Now the police is under special scrutiny
Everyone’s eyes are on the police investigation team in putting the alleged guilty police officers behind bars in the case of assault on senior journalist Bhalla. Because, it has been found that the alleged criminals have gone underground regarding this matter. On the other hand, the investigating officers of the case are definitely giving assurance that every citizen is equal in the eyes of the law. In such a situation, now it has to be seen when and in how much time the Batala police succeeds in putting the alleged criminal police officers behind the bars. At present, senior journalist Bhalla is praising the police investigation so far, according to him, the police supported him at every point. I hope that we will continue to get similar support from Batala Police in future as well.
..Know who is senior journalist Bhalla…?
Balwinder Kumar Bhalla has been associated with the journalism profession for a long time. He is believed to be a very easy-going person. He has always given justice to the poor and the downtrodden by becoming their voice with his pen. He has been honored many times for his commendable work style. Seeing the atrocities committed against journalist Bhalla, many journalist organisations of India have come out in his support. They have claimed that they will stand with their journalist brother Bhalla until he gets justice. If needed, protests will be organised on this issue across India. The police will have to put the alleged criminal police officers behind bars as soon as possible.
… Understand, what was the whole matter in this report…?
On 1st August 2025, senior journalist Bhalla goes to a hotel to go to the bathroom. He sees 2 suspects present there earlier. One was wearing a khaki uniform, while his other friend was in civil. Meanwhile, both of them start arguing with Bhalla over nothing. Somehow, with the help of other people, the argument is resolved. But, when Bhalla comes out of the hotel, both the alleged attackers stop him in the middle of the road and start beating him in front of the general public. His head and other parts of the body are attacked with a sharp object until he becomes unconscious. Bhalla, covered in blood, falls on the ground. In such a situation, his acquaintances take him to the hospital for treatment. The alleged criminals escape from the spot. The disgusting act of beating by both the alleged attackers is captured in the CCTV camera. Let’s know under which sections the case was registered
On the complaint of senior journalist Bhalla, Civil Line Police Station registered a case against the alleged criminal police officers Mandeep and Surjeet Singh in Civil Line Police Station FIR number 233, dated 1 August 20025 under Section 115 (2), Section 118 (2), Section 115 (2) of BNSS.
Understand the meaning of section in this report…?
According to Section 115 (2) of the Indian Justice Code, voluntarily causing hurt to someone, includes the provision of imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹ 10,000 or both. According to Section 118 (2), whoever voluntarily causes hurt by the means mentioned, can be punished with life imprisonment or imprisonment of 1 year to 10 years. Apart from this, he will also be liable for fine. Section 3 (5), according to which more than one person is held responsible. Its punishment is also considered harsh.
From whom did the Human Rights Commission ask for a report…. Read, in this…?
Taking strict cognizance of the Bhalla assault case, the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Punjab Police Director (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and asked for a report within 2 weeks. He has clearly said in his notice that the police investigation report so far and the health report of the victim (journalist) should also be included. The commission said that according to the report, two police officers are beating the journalist. They continue the attack until the journalist falls unconscious.
The commission also cited that if the contents of the news report are true then it is a blatant violation of the rights of human rights. The said officers were deployed to maintain law and order on Independence Day.
Different teams deployed to catch them… still absconding...?
”Different teams were deployed to catch the alleged criminals. On Monday, raids were conducted at the residences of both the alleged police officers in Bathinda, but they were not found there. The family was questioned. A team led by DSP Sanjeev Kumar has left Batala to arrest them since Tuesday morning. We hope that both of them will be caught soon. Technical systems are also being used to arrest them. On the other hand, DSP Sanjeev Kumar and SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir could not be contacted.”
”Civil Line Police Station In charge…..SI Nirmal Singh.”