Did Punjab Court Reject Bail Application of AAP Legislator Accused of Rape?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Harmeet Pathanmajra's bail plea was denied twice by the court.
- He is facing serious allegations, including rape.
- Pathanmajra claims he is being targeted by party leaders.
- Legal ramifications extend to family members of those associated with him.
- AAP is making changes in leadership amidst the crisis.
Chandigarh, Oct 9 (NationPress) A trial court in Patiala, Punjab, on Thursday, rejected the anticipatory bail application of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Harmeet Pathanmajra for the second consecutive time. The legislator has been evading arrest since being charged in a rape case on September 2.
His legal team informed the press that they plan to appeal to the Punjab and Haryana High Court for anticipatory bail.
The police initiated legal action against the first-time legislator from Sanaur on September 1, with allegations including rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
The 50-year-old politician reportedly fled a relative's residence in Dabri village, Karnal, just minutes after a Punjab Police squad arrived to apprehend him in connection with the rape allegations.
Pathanmajra has consistently denied accusations from the police claiming that shots were fired at the officers attempting his arrest.
In two video messages released from an undisclosed location, he accused AAP's Central leadership of targeting him, alleging that he was forced to flee due to fears of being killed in a 'fake encounter.'
Additionally, he has publicly criticized his own government regarding its response to flooding issues in Patiala, holding senior Irrigation Department officials accountable for neglecting requests to desilt rivers and prevent flooding in nearby villages.
Previously, state police charged 15 associates of the absconding MLA with 'harboring' him.
The Haryana Police also lodged a case against Pathanmajra and his relative, Gurnam Singh Laadi, for obstructing official duty and escape from custody, among other charges.
Residents of Dabri village have claimed that 14 members of Laadi's family were taken into custody by Punjab Police in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Last month, AAP made significant organizational changes, which included the removal of Pathanmajra from his position.
In an effort to strengthen its grassroots presence, the party appointed Ranjodh Singh Hadana as the new Halka in-charge for Sanour, the Assembly constituency previously represented by Pathanmajra.