AAP MLA, arrested on rape charges, escapes custody; shoots police

In a shocking turn of events, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Sanour, Punjab, dramatically escaped police custody on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, after his arrest on rape charges. The 35-year-old legislator, apprehended in Karnal, Haryana, allegedly fired at police officers alongside his aides, injuring at least one policeman during a chaotic getaway. Fleeing in two SUVs—a Scorpio and a Fortuner—Pathanmajra and his accomplices reportedly ran over an officer attempting to intervene. While police intercepted the Fortuner and recovered three firearms, Pathanmajra remains at large in the Scorpio, prompting a statewide manhunt.

The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra’s prior criticisms of AAP’s leadership adding fuel to the controversy.The escape unfolded as Pathanmajra was being transported to a local police station in Karnal following his arrest. According to reports, the MLA and his supporters opened fire on the escorting officers, creating enough chaos to facilitate their flight. One policeman was injured after being struck by the fleeing SUV, highlighting the audacity of the escape. Punjab Police, in coordination with Haryana authorities, have intensified their search, with roadblocks and checkpoints set up across the region.

The recovery of the Fortuner has provided some leads, but Pathanmajra’s whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about the security measures in place during his transfer.The rape charges stem from a complaint filed by a woman from Zirakpur, who alleges that Pathanmajra misled her by claiming he was divorced. According to the FIR, he entered into a relationship with her, married her in 2021 while still legally tied to his first wife, and subjected her to ongoing sexual exploitation, threats, and obscene communications. The case, registered under Sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, has drawn significant attention due to Pathanmajra’s prominence as an AAP legislator. His lawyer, Advocate Simranjeet Singh Saggu, has called the charges politically motivated, claiming they are linked to the MLA’s outspoken criticism of AAP’s Delhi-based leadership.Pathanmajra’s recent public statements have added a layer of complexity to the situation.

Just days before his arrest, he openly criticized the AAP government in Punjab, particularly over its handling of recent floods in his constituency. He accused senior bureaucrats, including Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Krishan Kumar, of neglecting critical infrastructure like river desilting, which he claimed exacerbated flooding in the Tangri River area. In a fiery Facebook Live video, Pathanmajra alleged that AAP’s Delhi leadership was “illegitimately ruling Punjab” and attempting to silence dissenting voices within the party. He urged supporters to protest outside the Patiala SSP’s office, framing his legal troubles as a targeted attack.The MLA’s defiance extended to his claims of systemic suppression within AAP.

On Monday, he revealed that his security detail of eight gunmen had been withdrawn, and several police officers in his constituency were transferred, moves he attributed to pressure from AAP’s central leadership. “They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed,” Pathanmajra declared in a video message. His rhetoric has resonated with some supporters, who view his arrest and the subsequent charges as an attempt to muzzle his criticism of the party’s governance. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Patiala amid fears of protests or demonstrations by his followers.The incident has cast a shadow over AAP’s image in Punjab, where the party has been grappling with internal dissent and governance challenges. As police continue their search for Pathanmajra, the case raises serious questions about law enforcement protocols and the political dynamics within AAP. The MLA’s escape, coupled with his allegations of political vendetta, is likely to fuel further debate about the party’s leadership and its handling of dissent. For now, the focus remains on apprehending Pathanmajra, whose dramatic flight has turned a legal battle into a high-stakes manhunt.