Punjab AAP MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra Flees to Australia Amid Rape Case Investigation

Punjab AAP MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra.

Punjab AAP MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra, who has been evading authorities since September 2 in connection with a rape case, has reportedly escaped to Australia, as revealed through his appearance in a recent video interview.

This development has caused embarrassment for law enforcement, as the Sanour MLA has successfully avoided capture despite numerous raids on his potential hiding locations.

Authorities in Patiala have issued a look-out notice for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representative.

Pathanmajra appeared in a video interview on Friday with an Australia-based Punjabi web channel, where he stated he would "return home only after securing bail."

While refuting all accusations, he described the case as a "political conspiracy" designed to silence voices advocating for Punjab's citizens.

"In Punjab, ministers and MLAs are not consulted on key matters. Freedom of speech is being curtailed. After losing in Delhi, those leaders have now taken over Punjab, and they are ruining it the same way," he claimed, expressing complete confidence in the judicial system.

A court in Patiala has already begun proclaimed offender proceedings against Pathanmajra following his failure to appear regarding the rape case.

The first-time legislator managed to escape police custody when Punjab Police attempted to arrest him in Karnal, Haryana.

Law enforcement officials previously alleged that gunshots were fired and stones were thrown by the MLA's supporters when a team went to apprehend him in Dabri village of Karnal district, where he was staying at a relative's home.

However, Pathanmajra denied involvement in the shooting and claimed he fled after learning he would be killed in a "fake encounter."

Police registered a case against the AAP MLA at the Civil Lines police station on September 1, charging him with rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.

The case was filed based on a complaint from a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that the MLA falsely presented himself as divorced, began a relationship with her, and subsequently married her in 2021 while already being married.

She has accused him of persistent sexual exploitation, threats, and sending "obscene" material to her.