MLA Loses Government Residence Amid Ongoing Case
The Punjab government has cancelled the allotment of official accommodation to fugitive Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra. The order was issued on Thursday, with an eviction notice served at his official residence on Passey Road, Patiala.
Pathanmajra, accused of rape and criminal intimidation, has been absconding since September 2. The eviction notice was handed to his ailing wife, Simranjot Kaur. His counsel, advocate Birkamjit Bhullar, confirmed that the MLA plans to challenge the order in district court.
“The government has cancelled the allotment and asked the MLA to vacate the residence. Normally, legislators are given 30 days to leave official quarters. In this case, no time window was provided,” Bhullar told reporters. The case is expected to be heard in court on Friday.
Pathanmajra is the fifth AAP MLA in Punjab to face serious legal charges, raising questions about the ruling party’s internal discipline and candidate selection.
Rape Accusation and Escape From Police
On September 1, a Zirakpur-based woman lodged a complaint against Pathanmajra, alleging rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. Based on the complaint, Punjab Police registered an FIR.
The next day, September 2, a police team attempted to arrest the MLA at the Karnal home of his relative, Gurnam Singh Laddi, a member of the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (HSGMC). However, Pathanmajra managed to escape minutes before police arrived.
The Haryana Police later filed a case against both Pathanmajra and Laddi for obstruction of duty and aiding escape from custody. Since then, the Sanaur MLA has remained on the run, despite multiple raids at suspected hideouts.
A senior Patiala police officer, requesting anonymity, confirmed ongoing efforts to trace the absconding leader. “All possible hideouts have already been raided. More raids are underway, but details cannot be shared at this stage,” the officer said.
Police Action Against MLA’s Family and Aides
The troubles for the legislator’s family have also deepened. On Thursday, the Punjab Police named Pathanmajra’s son, Harsjhan Singh, in the FIR registered last week at Civil Lines police station. He has been accused of harbouring his fugitive father.
Earlier, police had arrested 11 close aides of the MLA in connection with the case. Although all were later granted bail by a Patiala district court, investigators say the network of supporters helped Pathanmajra evade arrest.
As per the FIR, more than 15 individuals were booked under Sections 249 and 253 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for harbouring an offender and obstructing justice. They also face charges under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.
The addition of Pathanmajra’s son to the FIR indicates that the police are widening their investigation to include anyone allegedly assisting the legislator.
Political Fallout for AAP
Pathanmajra’s case has sparked political backlash in Punjab. Opposition parties have accused the Aam Aadmi Party of shielding tainted leaders. Critics argue that despite promises of clean governance, AAP has repeatedly faced embarrassment with its own legislators coming under criminal investigation.
Pathanmajra is now the fifth AAP MLA in Punjab to be entangled in legal controversies. Analysts believe the case could damage the party’s credibility ahead of upcoming local body elections.
For the AAP government, cancelling the MLA’s government accommodation may serve as a signal that it will not protect leaders accused of serious crimes. However, the fact that Pathanmajra remains at large continues to put pressure on the administration.
What Lies Ahead
With the court hearing on the eviction challenge scheduled for Friday, the case is expected to draw further public attention. If the court upholds the government’s order, Pathanmajra’s family will have to vacate the official residence immediately.
Meanwhile, police are intensifying their hunt for the absconding legislator. Officials suggest that more arrests may follow if evidence shows others were involved in shielding him.
The controversy places AAP in a tight spot, as public patience runs thin over repeated scandals involving party MLAs. For now, the case of Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra remains one of Punjab’s most closely watched political and legal developments.