Rape-accused MLA arrested after 6 months, Pathanmajra arrested by Punjab Police

March 25, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested rape-accused and absconding MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra. He had dramatically escaped from police custody in September last year and had been evading arrest since then.

This is the second arrest of an MLA from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party this week. Previously, former Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar was arrested in a case of abetment to suicide.

Stayed absconding even after bail was rejected

On October 9, 2025, the trial court in Patiala rejected Pathanmajra’s anticipatory bail plea for the second time. A case was registered against him on September 2, 2025, on charges of rape, fraud, and criminal intimidation.

The 50-year-old MLA escaped from his relative’s house in Dabri village, Karnal, on September 2nd when a police team arrived to arrest him.

Accused continues to claim he was a victim of a conspiracy

Pathan Majra had rejected the police claim that he fired shots at the police during his arrest.

In video messages released from an undisclosed location, he accused the central leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party and said the “Delhi lobby” was targeting him. He also claimed that he fled out of fear of being killed in a fake encounter.

He had also criticized his own government regarding flood management in Patiala and accused irrigation department officials of negligence.

Associates also under pressure, investigation ongoing

Police had already registered a case against 15 of his associates for allegedly sheltering him. Haryana police have also registered a case against the MLA and his relative, Gurnam Singh Ladi, under several sections, including obstruction of public order and escape from custody.

Dabri village residents alleged that the Punjab police had detained 14 members of Ladi’s family in connection with the case.