AAP MLA Pathanmajra’s anticipatory bail plea deferred in rape case

A local court in Patiala has deferred the hearing on AAP Sanaur MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra’s anticipatory bail plea in a rape case to September 10. Pathanmajra had filed an anticipatory bail application through his advocates in the district court last week. The court heard the counsel for the state and Pathanmajra today and has adjourned the matter to Wednesday, when a decision is likely on his arrest in the rape case.

The MLA has been on the run for over a week since a police team from Patiala raided the house of his relative and Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (HSGMC) member Gurnam Singh Laddi at village Dabri in Karnal on September 2. Despite floods affecting some villages in his constituency, Pathanmajra remains elusive, while police keep a close eye on his relatives and family members in case he contacts them.

According to sources, the police team was made to wait and served breakfast when the MLA escaped from the spot. The police later claimed that Pathanmajra and his supporters overpowered them, created hurdles, and fired gunshots as they fled. However, the MLA claimed in a video that he dodged the police party fearing an encounter killing.

The Haryana Police has registered a case against Pathanmajra and his relative, Laddi, for obstruction of discharge from official duty, escape from custody, and other charges. Another case was registered in Patiala against 15 accused individuals for allegedly helping the MLA escape.

Pathanmajra was booked in a three-year-old case on charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The Punjab Police has deployed Anti-Gangster Task Force to lead the chase for the legislator. Notably, Pathanmajra’s arrest attempt came a day after he criticised the Mann government over its handling of flood relief in Punjab, accusing senior officials of inefficiency.

Last Monday, the government withdrew his security cover after he urged his fellow MLAs and CM Mann to oppose interference by the Delhi lobby. Similarly, Jalandhar (Central) MLA Raman Arora was booked and arrested in a new extortion case in Jalandhar last week, just a day after he got bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a corruption case.