Punjab Police Captures Fugitive MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra After Six-Month Manhunt
Synopsis
In a significant development, Punjab Police arrested MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, accused of rape, after he spent months evading law enforcement. His dramatic escape from custody and subsequent criticisms of the AAP government add layers of complexity to this ongoing saga.
Key Takeaways
Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra arrested after six months on the run.
Charges include rape and criminal intimidation .
Second arrest of an AAP MLA in a week.
Pathanmajra claims government targeting him.
Community members involved in his case have faced police action.
Chandigarh, March 25 (NationPress) The Punjab Police apprehended the fugitive MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who stands accused of rape, on Wednesday after being on the run for six months. Pathanmajra had dramatically escaped police custody in September and had been evading arrest since then.
This marks the second time in a week that an AAP legislator has been taken into custody; previously, former Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar was arrested on Monday in connection with the abetment of suicide of a government employee.
On October 9, 2025, the trial court in Patiala denied Pathanmajra's anticipatory bail request for the second consecutive time, stemming from charges filed on September 2, 2025, related to rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
The police initiated a case against the first-time legislator from Sanaur on September 1, 2025. Following the initiation of the case, Pathanmajra fled from a relative's residence in Dabri village, Karnal, shortly after a police team arrived to arrest him.
The accused has refuted police claims regarding the firing of shots at officers during the attempted arrest.
In two video statements released from an undisclosed location, Pathanmajra accused the central leadership of AAP of targeting him due to a supposed threat from the "Delhi lobby," claiming he was forced to escape due to fears of a fake encounter.
The MLA has also criticized his own government for its handling of floods in Patiala, alleging that senior officials, including an IAS officer from the Irrigation Department, ignored repeated requests to clear rivers to prevent flooding.
Prior to this, the state police charged 15 individuals associated with the absconding MLA for harboring him. Additionally, Haryana Police have filed charges against Pathanmajra and his relative, Gurnam Singh Laadi, for obstructing official duties, escaping custody, and other offenses.
Residents of Dabri village have reported that 14 family members of Laadi were allegedly detained by Punjab Police as part of the ongoing investigation.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this issue with an unbiased lens. The arrest of Pathanmajra not only highlights the complexities of political accountability but also underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in handling high-profile cases. This incident calls for a comprehensive examination of the legal and political ramifications involved.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra?
Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra is a Punjab MLA accused of rape and has been evading arrest for six months.
What charges does Pathanmajra face?
He faces charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
Why did Pathanmajra flee?
He fled after claiming he was targeted by the AAP's central leadership and feared for his life.
What has been the reaction from the community?
Residents of Dabri village have expressed concern, with allegations that family members of his associate were detained by police.
Is this the first arrest of an AAP MLA this week?
No, it is the second arrest, following the arrest of former Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar.
