Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra has been arrested by Punjab Police in connection with a rape case registered last year, bringing an end to months of evasion. The legislator, who represents the Sanour constituency in Punjab, was taken into custody from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, officials confirmed.
Arrest After Months of Absconding
According to the Patiala police, Pathanmajra had been on the run since early September 2025 after a case was filed against him. He was declared a proclaimed offender for failing to appear before investigators despite repeated summons.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patiala, said the accused was located and arrested in Gwalior and is currently being transported back to Punjab. He will be presented before a local court in Patiala upon arrival, in accordance with legal procedures.
Details of the Case
The case against the MLA was registered on September 1, 2025, at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala. The charges include rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation, based on a complaint filed by a woman from Zirakpur.
In her complaint, the woman alleged that Pathanmajra misrepresented his marital status by claiming he was divorced. She accused him of entering into a relationship with her and marrying her in 2021 while already being legally married. The complaint further alleges sexual exploitation, threats, and the sending of obscene material.
Previous Attempts to Arrest
Police said that efforts to arrest the MLA had earlier faced resistance. During a previous operation in Karnal, Haryana, Pathanmajra allegedly evaded arrest. Authorities claimed that his supporters obstructed the police by pelting stones and firing shots.
The MLA, however, had denied these allegations, stating that he fled out of fear for his safety, alleging the possibility of a “fake encounter.”
To prevent his escape, police had issued a look-out notice and intensified efforts to track his movements across states.
Official Response
Police officials reiterated that the arrest was carried out following due process after tracking the accused for several months. They confirmed that further investigation is ongoing and additional evidence is being examined as part of the case.
Context and Legal Framework
A proclaimed offender is an individual declared by a court as absconding to evade legal proceedings. Such a declaration allows law enforcement agencies to take stricter measures, including property attachment and broader search operations.
Cases involving allegations of sexual exploitation and coercion by public representatives often draw significant attention, raising concerns about accountability and the misuse of power.
Public Impact and Political Significance
The arrest of a sitting MLA in a serious criminal case is likely to have political and legal implications. It underscores the importance of due process and the role of law enforcement in pursuing cases involving elected officials.
For the complainant, the arrest may mark a crucial step toward legal redress. For the public, it reinforces expectations of accountability, regardless of political position.
What Happens Next
Pathanmajra is expected to be produced before a court in Patiala, where police may seek custody for further questioning. The court will determine the next course of legal proceedings based on the evidence presented.
Authorities have stated that the investigation will continue, and further developments will depend on the findings during custodial interrogation and the judicial process.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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