Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra, accused of rape, reportedly flees to Australia

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra, who has been wanted in a rape case since September, is believed to have fled to Australia. The Sanour MLA recently appeared in a video interview on an Australia-based Punjabi web platform, saying he would return to India only after securing bail.

The case was registered on September 1 at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala, based on a complaint by a Zirakpur woman. She alleged that Pathanmajra falsely claimed he was divorced, entered into a relationship with her, and later married her in 2021 while already being legally married. She accused him of continued sexual exploitation, intimidation, and sending obscene material. The case includes charges of rape, cheating and criminal intimidation.

Soon after the FIR was registered, a Punjab Police team moved to arrest the MLA from a relative’s home in Karnal, Haryana. Police said stones were thrown and gunshots were fired by his supporters during the operation, allowing him to escape. Pathanmajra later claimed he fled because he feared he would be killed in a “fake encounter.” After this, the MLA went underground, and police carried out multiple raids but could not locate him. A lookout notice was eventually issued, but Pathanmajra managed to leave India, leading to criticism over the lapses in enforcement.

A Patiala court has now initiated proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender following his repeated absence from hearings.

In the interview, Pathanmajra denied the allegations and called the case a “political conspiracy.” He alleged that internal dissent in Punjab’s governance was being suppressed and claimed he still had faith in the judiciary.

Senior AAP leaders have kept their remarks brief, stating that the “law will take its course” and that the party does not support wrongdoing. The leadership has not publicly commented on the MLA’s accusations of interference within the Punjab government.

Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have sharply criticised the government, calling the case an example of “administrative failure” and questioning how an MLA facing serious charges was able to leave the country. They have demanded a statement from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on the issue.

With Pathanmajra now abroad, Punjab Police may seek central assistance if repatriation becomes necessary.