AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Remanded to Judicial Custody in Rape Case
A court in Patiala on Monday ordered Aam Aadmi Party MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra to be placed in judicial custody in a rape case, marking the end of his police remand period. This decision comes nearly two weeks after his arrest, concluding the custodial interrogation phase of the investigation.
Background of the Case and Allegations
The case originated on September 1, 2025, when an FIR was registered at the Civil Lines police station in Patiala based on a complaint from a woman residing in Zirakpur. The woman accused the Sanaur MLA of multiple serious offenses, including rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. She alleged that Pathanmajra had misrepresented his marital status by claiming to be a divorcee to initiate a relationship with her and solemnize a marriage at a gurdwara in 2021.
Escape from Custody and Subsequent Arrest
Pathanmajra faced heightened scrutiny after allegedly escaping from Punjab Police custody in Dabri village, Karnal, Haryana, on September 2, 2025. During this incident, he and his associates were accused of opening fire on a police team and attempting to run over an officer before fleeing the scene. Following this, he was declared a proclaimed offender and managed to evade a lookout circular for approximately seven months.
He was eventually arrested by a special Patiala Police team in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, on March 24. Police sources indicated that investigators had mapped the logistical network that allegedly assisted him while he was on the run and recovered digital evidence related to his movements across various states.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Prior to the judicial custody order, police had secured multiple extensions of his remand to investigate his alleged evasion of the law over several months. However, the court determined that further custodial questioning was not necessary at this stage. With the MLA now in judicial custody, his legal team is expected to file a bail application in the coming days.
A senior Patiala Police official commented on the developments, stating, "The law is taking its course. Our priority was to ensure the accused was produced before the court and the investigation into his escape and the primary charges is conducted thoroughly."
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance, with authorities emphasizing a thorough investigation into both the initial allegations and the escape incident.
