Canberra: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, accused in a rape case, has been found in Australia after being absconding since September. The Australia Today reported that Pathanmajra, representing Sanour, is wanted by the Punjab Police in connection with alleged rape and cheating charges.

His presence in Adelaide, South Australia, emerged after he appeared in a video interview defending himself and stating he would return to India only after securing bail. The report described his flight to Australia as an embarrassment for the Punjab Police, which failed to apprehend him despite multiple raids and issuing a lookout notice.

In the interview with a Punjabi web channel based in Australia, Pathanmajra dismissed the allegations as a “political conspiracy” and reiterated his plan to come back after bail. He faces serious accusations, including rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation, with the complainant alleging sexual exploitation, threats, and harassment after he deceived her about his marital status in 2021.

Police attempted to arrest him on September 2 at a farmhouse in Haryana but were obstructed by his supporters, allowing him to evade capture. A Patiala court declared him an absconder after he missed multiple hearings.

Pathanmajra denied the charges, claiming to the Indian media that he fled fearing a fake encounter killing. The Punjab opposition has accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of shielding the MLA.

Punjab Police are exploring extradition options and have sought help from central Indian agencies to confirm Pathanmajra’s location in Australia. If confirmed, the case will be pursued through diplomatic channels with Australian authorities. A lookout notice and proclamation order are already in place.

With inputs from ANI