In a dramatic turn of events, a Punjab MLA, Harmeet Pathanmajra, who was arrested in a rape case, has escaped from police custody.
The escape occurred after the legislator and his associates allegedly opened fire on police officers and ran over a policeman. Police are now actively pursuing the MLA and his aides, who fled the scene in two vehicles: a Scorpio and a Fortuner.
Harmeet Pathanmajra, the AAP MLA from Sanour, was taken into custody earlier today in Karnal. As he was being transported to the local police station, he and his aides reportedly began firing at the police team.
During the ensuing chaos, they ran over a police officer who attempted to stop them before fleeing in two SUVs. While police teams have since managed to intercept the Fortuner, the MLA was in the other vehicle and remains at large. A full-scale manhunt is currently underway.
The charges against Pathanmajra include rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged based on a complaint from a woman who alleged that the MLA deceived her by falsely claiming to be divorced to initiate a relationship. She has accused him of sexual exploitation, issuing threats, and sending obscene material.
Also Read: Punjab floods kill 29, displace thousands as rivers overflow
Prior to his arrest and subsequent escape, Pathanmajra had been publicly critical of his own party's government, particularly regarding its handling of the floods in Punjab. After the FIR was filed against him, he went live on Facebook to reiterate his criticism of the Bhagwant Mann government.
He alleged that the AAP leadership in Delhi was "illegitimately ruling over Punjab" and appealed to his fellow party MLAs for support. During the live broadcast, he defiantly stated, "They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed."
The MLA also claimed that his official security detail had been withdrawn after his criticism of the government. He had previously stated, "I had already told my gunmen yesterday that they would be sent back. The Delhi leaders (of AAP) think they can scare me with vigilance (action) or FIRs, but I will never bow down. I will stand like a rock with my people." Earlier, Pathanmajra had also made a public statement that the state government should listen to the people, or they "will thrash us."
Also Read: Cong MLAs to send month's pay to CM's Flood Relief Fund
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