Punjab MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra Arrested After Fleeing Rape Charges

Arrest of Harmit Singh Pathanmajra

Harmit Singh Pathanmajra, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Punjab, was apprehended in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday night. This arrest follows his evasion of law enforcement since September, when he was implicated in a case involving rape and fraud, as reported by a local news outlet.

Pathanmajra, who represents the Sanour constituency for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was taken into custody around 10 PM, according to a government spokesperson.

On September 1, a woman from Zirakpur, Punjab, filed a complaint against him, alleging that he had exploited her sexually under the guise of marriage and had hidden his previous marital status.

Following the filing of the first information report, police attempted to arrest him at a relative's residence in Karnal, Haryana. However, he managed to escape as his supporters reportedly clashed with the police, throwing stones and firing shots.

In November, Pathanmajra appeared in a video interview claiming he was in Australia and stated he would only return after obtaining bail. He also asserted that he was a victim of a conspiracy.

Despite his claims, a Patiala court denied his request for anticipatory bail and issued a notice for his proclamation.

The Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force had been actively pursuing him since the allegations surfaced, as noted by the news outlet.

In his November interview, Pathanmajra dismissed the accusations as a political maneuver aimed at silencing dissenting voices in Punjab. He criticized the lack of consultation with ministers and MLAs on significant issues, claiming that the AAP leadership was undermining the state.

In February 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party triumphed over the AAP in the Delhi Assembly elections.

Previously, Pathanmajra had accused the AAP's Delhi faction of manipulating Punjab's ministers, stating that his criticisms regarding flood management led to the legal troubles he faced.