Rebel Punjab AAP MLA booked for rape escapes arrest, cop injured by SUV used in getaway
The MLA on Sunday had accused his own party's government of interference and neglect of critical infrastructure
The MLA on Sunday had accused his own party's government of interference and neglect of critical infrastructure
The MLA on Sunday had accused his own party's government of interference and neglect of critical infrastructure
Patiala: AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra allegedly escaped a police team that tried to arrest him in a rape case on Tuesday, sources told PTI.
Gunshots were fired during the incident, and a policeman was injured after being hit by an SUV in which the Sanour legislator fled. Supporters are believed to have helped him escape.
Patiala SSP Varun Sharma was unavailable for comment. A police search is underway.
Pathanmajra had earlier posted a Facebook video claiming he had been booked on rape charges. According to the FIR, he faces charges of rape, cheating and criminal intimidation, based on a complaint by a Zirakpur woman. She alleged the MLA misled her into a relationship by claiming to be divorced, later married in 2021 while still married, and then subjected her to sexual exploitation and threats.
After the FIR, the MLA went live again on Facebook, attacking his own party’s government in Punjab and accusing the Delhi-based AAP leadership of “illegitimately ruling” the state. He urged fellow MLAs to stand with him, saying FIRs or jail would not silence his voice.
Pathanmajra has been critical of the government’s handling of recent floods and accused senior officials of ignoring his repeated demands to clean and desilt rivers, particularly the Tangri. He has also alleged that his security was withdrawn and police officers in his constituency were transferred under political pressure.