Punjab Police raid at HSGMC member’s residence sparks tension as AAP MLA Pathanmajra flees amid 'firing'

In a fresh twist to the dramatic escape of AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra from Sanour, the Punjab Police on Tuesday evening modified its earlier claim regarding the firing incident at Dabri village. Initially, the police alleged that someone opened fire during the raid, enabling the MLA to flee from his relative and HSGMC member Gurnam Singh alias Laadi’s residence. However, officials later clarified that it only appeared as if someone had fired in the air.

The police maintained its earlier allegations that their operation was disrupted by villagers, creating chaos that allowed the MLA to escape custody. Confirming the development, SP Ganga Ram Punia said a complaint regarding the disruption had been received, and lawful action would be taken. “We have received a complaint, and action is being taken as per law,” the SP said.

Tension gripped Dabri village in Karnal on Tuesday morning after Punjab Police conducted a raid at the residence of HSGMC member and former sarpanch Gurnam Singh, alias Ladi. Punjab Police personnel had come to arrest AAP MLA from Punjab, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who was present at Ladi’s residence at the time of the raid, villagers confirmed.

Family members and relatives of Ladi alleged that the Punjab police entered “like thieves” and violated their privacy.

They alleged that the police team entered the premises around 4.45 am by scaling the boundary wall. “They have no right to enter our house like this. We and our children are afraid,” a woman from the family said.

Residents denied any incident of firing, stone pelting, or attack on the police, claiming instead that they even offered food to the police personnel. “Ladi is a reputed person. The MLA was here, sleeping. They spoke with him,” villagers added.

Villagers also expressed concern that an FIR could be lodged against Gurnam Singh, whose mobile phone has remained switched off since the raid, raising worries about his whereabouts.

The raid followed the registration of a rape case against Sanaur MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, on the complaint of his former wife.

The Karnal police are mum over the information given to them by the Punjab Police before the raid. But sources claimed that the local police were not informed before the raid and were told only after the situation worsened.

Meanwhile, Punjab Police filed a complaint with the Sadar police, Karnal, alleging firing in the air by someone when they detained the MLA and disruption of duty by villagers. SP Ganga Ram Punia confirmed the complaint and said appropriate action would be taken.

“We have received a complaint of firing in the air and disruption of duty. Appropriate lawful action will be taken,” said the SP.