A major political controversy has erupted in Punjab as AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, representing the Sanour constituency, has reportedly fled from police custody after allegedly firing at officers during a manhunt in Karnal, Haryana. The Punjab Police had registered a rape case against Pathanmajra earlier this week. When police moved to arrest him on Tuesday morning, he allegedly escaped to Karnal. Upon locating him in a village there, Punjab Police attempted a raid, but Pathanmajra allegedly fired in the air and managed to escape with the help of local contacts. This dramatic escape comes just days after the MLA publicly rebelled against the Aam Aadmi Party leadership. In a viral social media video, he accused the Delhi lobby of sidelining Punjab’s leadership and diminishing the role of CM Bhagwant Mann. He urged the Chief Minister to assert control over the state. Pathanmajra was once considered close to the CM’s office and was reportedly expecting a cabinet position, which never materialized. While AAP’s numerical strength (92 MLAs) keeps the government stable, the political implications of this rebellion are significant. The opposition is expected to capitalize on the controversy, especially with the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon.
