AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Escaped from Police Custody. Supporters Fired at Police After Arrest, Injuring One Policeman. The MLA's Security Was Withdrawn Just Yesterday. The Matter is Heating Up Punjab's Politics.
Punjab: A major political drama unfolded in Punjab on Tuesday morning when Aam Aadmi Party MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra escaped from police custody. He was being brought to Punjab after being arrested in Karnal, Haryana, but en route, his supporters suddenly opened fire on the police team, and taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, the MLA fled with his associates. One policeman was injured in this incident, while the police have impounded one vehicle and are continuing the search for the MLA who escaped in another vehicle.
Background of the Arrest
Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra was arrested by the police in an old case registered under Section 376. According to information, this case is several years old and had been pending in court for a long time. Police apprehended the MLA on Tuesday morning from Dabri village in Karnal, Haryana, and began the process of bringing him to Punjab. However, as he was being taken to the police station, gunfire erupted en route, and the situation became uncontrollable.
The Full Story of the Escape
According to the police, the MLA and his supporters fled the scene in two vehicles—one Scorpio and another Fortuner. The police have managed to apprehend the Fortuner, but the MLA and his close associates traveling in the Scorpio are absconding. The police team is now conducting raids at multiple locations in search of them.
Security Withdrawn Just a Day Before
It is also noteworthy that the Punjab government had withdrawn Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra's security just a day before the incident. Sources indicate that the MLA had been making continuous statements against his own government for the past few days. Recently, he had directly blamed the chief official of the irrigation department, Krishan Kumar, for the floods in Punjab. His arrest and subsequent escape have sparked a new controversy in the state's politics.
Opposition's Questions
This entire episode has intensified political activity in Punjab. The opposition has raised questions against the Aam Aadmi Party government, asking why the MLA's security was withdrawn when his arrest was imminent and why adequate security arrangements were not provided to the police. Meanwhile, people on social media are continuously questioning the government's and police's actions.
Police Investigation and Action
The police have formed special teams to arrest the absconding MLA and have issued an alert in the border districts. Police officials have stated that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in this incident.
Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with serious offenses such as rape, which carry severe penalties upon conviction. The old case registered against Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra has now resurfaced and has become even more serious with his escape.
