**Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Dhillon Escapes Police Custody Amid Controversy**
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra, who was arrested on charges of rape and cheating, made a dramatic escape from police custody in Karnal on Tuesday. Reports indicate that while being transported to a local police station, Pathanmajra and his associates allegedly opened fire on officers, injuring one policeman. In the ensuing chaos, he reportedly ran over another officer with a vehicle before fleeing the scene in a Scorpio SUV. Authorities have since seized a Fortuner that was used during the escape and have launched a manhunt to locate the fugitive MLA.
Pathanmajra’s arrest followed an FIR filed by a woman from Zirakpur, who accused him of misrepresenting his marital status and entering into a relationship under false pretenses. She alleged that he married her in 2021 while still being married to another woman, sexually exploited her, sent her obscene material, and issued threats. The FIR includes serious charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
In response to the allegations, Pathanmajra has claimed that the case is politically motivated. He took to Facebook Live after the FIR was filed, accusing the AAP leadership in Delhi of targeting him for speaking out against their governance in Punjab. “They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed,” he stated. His lawyer, Simranjeet Singh Saggu, contended that the complainant admitted in court to having a live-in relationship, labeling the charges as baseless.
The MLA has also been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of flood management in Patiala. He criticized senior officials for neglecting requests to desilt rivers like the Tangri, which he warned had exacerbated flooding in local villages. Pathanmajra alleged that his security was withdrawn and local police officers were transferred as retaliation for his outspoken criticism.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this incident could have significant repercussions for both Pathanmajra and the AAP in Punjab.
**FAQ**
**Q: What charges has Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra faced?**
A: He has been charged with rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation following allegations made by a woman from Zirakpur.
