AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Escaping Police Custody after Firing At Officers
AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra allegedly opened fire on police officers on Tuesday in Karnal. Authorities are searching for the missing MLA after a huge manhunt.
AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who is the Sanour Constituency MLA in Patiala, was being taken to the local police station by his associates when they allegedly started shooting at the officers escorting him. One policeman sustained injuries in the gunfire. Another officer was run over by the vehicle of the MLA, who fled.
Pathanmajra, his accomplices, and a Scorpio SUV were involved in the escape. The police recovered the Fortuner used in the escape. This dramatic event occurred as AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra prepared to appear before a Patiala Court.
Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, AAP’s MLA, was arrested after a woman in Zirakpur filed an FIR accusing him of rape and cheating. She also accused him of criminal intimidation. Pathanmajra allegedly misrepresented himself to be divorced prior to entering into a romantic relationship with the woman. She claimed that in 2021, he had married another woman while legally still married.
Further, the complainant accused MLAs of sending offensive material and making threats. These charges are based on serious Indian Penal Code sections relating to rapes, fraud, and criminal threats.
Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, AAP’s MLA in Delhi, has maintained the political motivation of his case. He accused the Delhi AAP leadership in a live Facebook session that followed FIR registration of “illegitimately governing Punjab”, and targeting him because he raised his voice to oppose party decisions.
Pathanmajra said, “They may lodge FIRs, and I could stay in prison, but they cannot silence my voice.”
Simranjeet Singh Saggu is his legal representative and has said that these charges are unfounded. He pointed out the fact that in court, the complainant admitted to living with the MLA. This questioned the validity of rape allegations.
This escape raises serious concerns about the police’s security and handling of cases that are high profile. A search operation across several districts is underway to capture AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and his accomplices.
The incident also highlights growing tensions in the AAP. Pathanmajra had publicly criticized the Delhi leadership of the party before his arrest. This case has become more complex due to the MLA’s allegations of political vendetta.
This case is a major challenge for the Aam Aadmi Party, which built its reputation by fighting corruption and maintaining a clean government. Party leadership is yet to make an official announcement regarding the escape from police custody of its MLA.
Aam Aadmi Party
The Aam Aadmi Party was born out of the anti-corruption movements in India. AAP was founded in 2012. It currently governs Delhi, Punjab and positions itself as an alternative political party with its focus on transparency and good government.
