Two Punjab Police commandos have been suspended after a harrowing video surfaced showing them assaulting journalist Balwinder Singh on a bustling street in Batala. The incident, which occurred on August 1, has sparked widespread outrage after the clip went viral on social media platforms earlier this week.

The video footage, lasting over two minutes, depicts a brutal scene: Balwinder Singh, a reporter associated with a Hindi daily, is seen being physically attacked by two men—one in police uniform and the other in plain clothes. Even after he falls to the ground, visibly unresponsive and lying in a puddle, the violence continues. One of the assailants kicks him in the head multiple times, and both men eventually walk away, only to return briefly and deliver further blows.

The two accused have been identified as Sub-Inspectors Surjit and Mandeep Singh, both members of the 5th Battalion of Punjab Police Commandos, stationed in Bathinda. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar, the duo had been deployed to Batala ahead of Independence Day celebrations as part of a special law-and-order assignment. “The two police officials were staying at a hotel here as they had come to Batala in connection with a duty assigned to them. The journalist Balwinder approached them and asked some questions pertaining to their duty in Batala… suddenly, there was some heated exchange after which the incident (assault) happened,” said DSP Kumar.

Eyewitnesses did not intervene during the attack, as seen in the video, but a few locals later stepped forward to assist the injured journalist, who was then rushed to a hospital for treatment. The footage shows Balwinder lying motionless for several moments as pedestrians pass by without helping.

Following the victim’s formal complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on August 2. Both officers were immediately suspended, and departmental disciplinary proceedings have been initiated. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Suhail Qasim Mir, confirmed the suspension and said the commanding officer of the battalion has been informed to take necessary action.

The exact trigger for the assault remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest that Balwinder’s questioning of the officers regarding their presence in the city may have led to a confrontation that turned violent.

The Punjab Police is now facing growing criticism over the handling of its personnel and their conduct with civilians, especially media professionals. As public outrage intensifies, pressure is mounting for a transparent and swift inquiry into the matter.