Legal Net Tightens: Sanaur MLA Pathanmajra Denied Anticipatory Bail Again in Grave Sexual Assault Case

In a significant legal blow to Sanaur MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, a Patiala district court has once again rejected his anticipatory bail plea, intensifying the legal scrutiny surrounding grave allegations of sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and cheating. This latest setback deepens the embattled legislator's legal woes, underscoring the serious nature of the charges brought against him by his former live-in partner.

The case, which has garnered considerable public and political attention, centers on a complaint filed by a woman who alleges that Pathanmajra subjected her to sexual assault, deceitfully induced her into a false belief of lawful marriage, and engaged in criminal breach of trust and cheating.

Furthermore, she has accused him of forcing her to abort a pregnancy without her consent and issuing criminal threats, painting a grim picture of alleged exploitation and abuse.

Pathanmajra stands accused under several stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 376 (rape), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (criminal intimidation), 493 (cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 420 (cheating).

The breadth and severity of these charges highlight the formidable legal challenge the MLA currently faces.

During the court proceedings, Pathanmajra's legal team vehemently argued that the allegations were a meticulously orchestrated "honeytrap" and a calculated attempt to blackmail and malign his public image.

They contended that the entire episode was a conspiracy designed to extort money and tarnish his political career, especially given his recent switch from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

However, the complainant's counsel presented a compelling argument, emphasizing the grave nature of the offenses and the crucial need for a thorough and unbiased investigation.

The court, after carefully considering the submissions from both sides and reviewing the case's extensive history, sided with the prosecution's stance.

This rejection marks yet another instance where Pathanmajra has been denied anticipatory bail. His previous pleas were dismissed by the district court, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and even the Supreme Court in March 2023.

Each judicial body, at different levels, has consistently pointed towards the seriousness of the allegations and the indispensable requirement for custodial interrogation to facilitate a comprehensive investigation and uncover the truth.

The District and Sessions Court in Patiala reiterated this critical need, stating that the nature of the allegations warrants a deeper probe that can only be effectively carried out with the accused's full cooperation, potentially under custodial questioning.

This decision sends a clear message about the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that serious criminal allegations are investigated without obstruction, irrespective of the accused's public standing.

As the legal battle continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and the unfolding investigation.

The repeated denial of anticipatory bail signifies a mounting legal pressure, suggesting that the path ahead for the Sanaur MLA will be fraught with challenges as the authorities seek to establish the facts surrounding these explosive allegations.