Rape-accused Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra evades arrest in dramatic escape from Karnal

Sanaur MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra evaded arrest on Tuesday morning in a dramatic turn of events after police attempted to detain him in connection with an alleged rape case. The incident occurred in Dabri village, Karnal, at the residence of one of his relatives.

The Patiala police team, accompanied by local Karnal police and three SHO-level officers, reached the location to arrest the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator. However, Pathanmajra managed to flee the scene in a white SUV, reportedly aided by villagers and supporters. According to police sources, gunshots were allegedly fired during the escape.

A senior police officer said, “Despite the presence of multiple teams, the MLA escaped with the help of locals. We are now coordinating with Haryana police to track him down.”

A policeman sustained injuries after being hit by the SUV as Pathanmajra fled. Authorities have stated that an additional FIR will be registered for assaulting and injuring a police officer on duty.

This cames just hours after Pathanmajra publicly criticised his own party’s government over its handling of flood relief efforts and accused a "Delhi lobby" of interfering in Punjab’s internal affairs.

Meanwhile, security arrangements have been tightened in Patiala amid concerns that Pathanmajra’s supporters may organise a protest or dharna in his support.

Police are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the MLA, who remains on the run. Pathanmajra was booked early Tuesday morning on alleged charges of rape.

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Sources said that the case against Pathanmajra was registered on Monday evening under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

A senior police official stated, “Yes, he has been booked in a rape case. The complaint was previously under investigation.”

Adding a new dimension to the case, a senior government source revealed that a fresh complaint was submitted on August 26 by the woman involved, alleging that the MLA had sexually exploited her under the pretext of marriage.

“After learning about the complaint and fearing arrest, the MLA began attacking the government in public,” said a senior AAP functionary.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pathanmajra went live on social media, claiming that the case against him was politically motivated.

“They cannot silence me by filing cases. I will continue to raise my voice for the people of my constituency. The Delhi lobby will try everything to suppress dissent,” he said during the live stream.

The arrest follows a string of developments within the Aam Aadmi Party. On Monday, the party abruptly withdrew the MLA’s security cover and ordered the transfer of all SHOs and police post heads in the Sanaur constituency. Pathanmajra had recently alleged that senior officials in the Irrigation Department, under the direction of the state government, had blocked desilting operations in riverbeds — a move he said worsened the recent flood crisis.

Just a few months ago, Pathanmajra was provided additional security after he claimed to have received threat calls. However, following orders from the top leadership, Patiala police recalled the eight gunmen assigned to his security detail on Monday.