Rape-accused AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra. (Screengrab: X/@Gagan4344)
In a major shock for the Punjab Police and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, rape-accused MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra has reportedly fled to Australia, even as a Look-Out Circular (LOC) and proclaimed offender proceedings are underway against him.
Pathanmajra, the MLA from Sanaur (Patiala), has been absconding for more than two months after a Zirakpur-based woman filed a rape case against him. The complaint, registered on September 1, accuses the legislator of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. Sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC have been invoked.
Despite police search operations, Pathanmajra appeared in a video interview on an Australia-based Punjabi web channel, confirming he is in Australia.
“I will return to my constituency only after getting bail… Currently, I am not in touch with any political party,” he said, claiming the case against him is fabricated and linked to his “fallout” with AAP’s Delhi leadership.
According to Patiala Police, a Look-Out Circular had already been issued to prevent him from leaving the country. However, he allegedly first crossed into a neighbouring country and then flew to Australia.
A local Patiala court has initiated proclaimed offender (PO) proceedings under Section 82 CrPC. The proclamation notice was pasted outside his residence after he repeatedly failed to appear before the investigating team.
Police sources say that a notice directed him to appear by November 12, failing which further legal action would be taken.
The complainant alleges that Pathanmajra misrepresented himself as divorced before entering into a relationship. She claims he continued sexual exploitation, sent obscene material, and later married in 2021 while already being married.
On September 2, Pathanmajra allegedly fled from a relative’s residence in Karnal, Haryana, minutes before a Punjab Police team arrived. The police even deployed the Anti-Gangster Task Force to trace him, but without success.
In a video released earlier from an undisclosed location, the MLA claimed he was being targeted for questioning AAP’s top leadership and raising concerns about Punjab’s water and flood management.
“My only fault is that I raised Punjab’s water issue… freedom of speech is being curtailed,” he alleged.
The episode has sparked backlash from Opposition leaders, who accuse the AAP government of shielding its MLA. Meanwhile, police face questions over how Pathanmajra managed to leave India despite an active LOC.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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