Patiala: Police have begun interrogating Sanaur AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra to uncover the funding behind his seven-month evasion from the law in a rape case.The legislator, who is in four-day police remand following his arrest in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in the early hours of Wednesday, is being questioned over his assets and the logistics of his evasion. Investigators are focusing on his financial network, including disputed properties in and around Patiala, a controversial land deal under scrutiny, and the funding sources behind his international travel and stay. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Varun Sharma said, “The interrogation is at a critical stage.” All technical and physical evidence is being examined even as investigative inputs and court records reconstructed his escape trail. The sequence began on Sept 2, 2025, a day after an FIR was registered at Civil Lines police station, Patiala, against the MLA on a complaint of a Zirakpur-based woman alleging rape, cheating, and fraudulent marriage. Police initially traced Pathanmajra to a relative’s residence in Dabri village, Karnal, Haryana. A Punjab Police raiding team was attacked as the MLA’s supporters enabled him to evade arrest. Sources said Pathanmajra then slipped into Nepal by land to bypass the lookout circular at airports. From Nepal, the MLA reportedly travelled to Australia using a pre-existing valid visa. While abroad, he defied authorities by broadcasting video messages, denouncing the charges as a political conspiracy. The manhunt ended on the night of March 24 near Gwalior. Police sources said despite using multiple mobile numbers and a UK-based SIM card, Pathanmajra was tracked after logging into a hotel Wi-Fi network. The digital footprint enabled a police team led by SP Vaibhav Chaudhary to pinpoint and apprehend him. Pathanmajra’s counsel said the Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of the MLA’s petition, declaring it infructuous following his arrest. The plea had sought a stay on PO proceedings and protection from arrest. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a Patiala district court in Sept 2025, followed by another dismissal in Dec—the same month he was declared a proclaimed offender. Earlier this year, Punjab and Haryana high court dismissed his petition challenging arrest warrants and the PO declaration, questioning the conduct of a sitting legislator evading due process and fleeing abroad. MSID:: 129826605 413 |
