Punjab Police Face Embarrassment as AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Flees to Australia Amid Rape Case
In a dramatic turn of events, first-term legislator Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from the Sanour constituency in Patiala district has reportedly fled to Australia, leaving investigating authorities in Punjab scrambling to explain how the wanted MLA managed to cross borders despite an apprehension warrant in his name. The development has reignited scrutiny of law enforcement efficacy and political accountability in the state.
The Allegations and Absconding
Pathanmajra has been on the run since early September, after a Zirakpur-based woman lodged a complaint against him alleging rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation under Sections 376, 420 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant accused the MLA of misrepresenting his marital status, entering into a relationship in 2021, and continuing to exploit her before issuing threats and sending obscene messages.
In early September, during a raid at a relative’s house in Haryana’s Karnal district, Pathanmajra allegedly escaped an arrest attempt when gunshots were fired and his supporters reportedly pelted stones at police. Punjab Police obtained a look-out notice and issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the CrPC, labelling him an absconder.
The Australian Escape
On 9 November 2025, Pathanmajra appeared in a video interview with an Australia-based Punjabi web channel and declared his location abroad. He stated he was in Australia and would return to India only after securing bail. He denied the allegations, branding them a “political conspiracy” and asserted that he fled to evade a “fake encounter”
This confirmed his escape and triggered immense embarrassment for the Punjab Police and government, who have been unable to trace or arrest him despite extended search operations and the involvement of the Anti-Gangster Task Force.
Law Enforcement Under Fire
Authorities now face tough questions. How did a sitting MLA accused of serious offences manage to leave the country? Punjab Police are said to have asked central agencies for assistance and are reportedly exploring an extradition request.
A Patiala court has initiated procedures to declare Pathanmajra a “proclaimed offender” if he fails to appear before the court by the specified deadline. His property may be attached as part of the process.
Political Fallout
The AAP has reacted quickly. The party has appointed a new in-charge for the Sanour constituency, signalling internal management changes in response to the MLA’s absence.
Opposition parties have seized on the matter, accusing the state government and police of selective enforcement and weakness in handling politically connected individuals. Some analyst voices suggest this escape could damage the image of governance and accountability in Punjab.
Pathanmajra, for his part, maintains his innocence and insists the case is retaliatory in nature — linking the allegations to his criticism of flood-relief management and claiming a “Delhi-lobby” was engineering moves against him.
What Next?
Officials are expected to ramp up efforts to file an extradition request and collaborate with Australian authorities to verify Pathanmajra’s exact location. Meanwhile, Punjab Police must address the procedural lapses that enabled his departure. The ongoing investigation and its outcome could set precedent for how high-profile absconders are handled in India.
For Pathanmajra, the video statement appears to be his first public communication since going underground. His condition for return — obtaining bail — raises questions about his legal strategy and whether he intends to fight the case from abroad.
Broader Implications
This case underscores two major issues: the influence of political power on law enforcement and the challenges in prosecuting cases involving elected representatives. If Pathanmajra remains at large abroad, it could undermine public trust in the rule of law and reinforce perceptions of impunity for elites.
Additionally, the escape highlights the vulnerabilities in the lookout-notice system and border exit controls for accused individuals. For the AAP and the Punjab government, it may become a litmus test of credibility on law, order and equality before the law.
