Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak now finds himself at the centre of a political and legal trouble. Punjab Police has registered two FIRs against him under non-bailable sections, just days after he left the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The situation escalated sharply today. Security increased outside his official residence in the capital. Meanwhile, Pathak exited through the back entrance and drove away shortly before police teams arrived at the scene. Since then, he has reportedly moved to an undisclosed location. His phone remains switched off, even as the BJP’s legal team works to secure protection.
FIRs surface, clarity still missing
The FIRs have been filed in two districts of Punjab. According to reports, they relate to allegations of corruption and harassment of women. However, authorities have yet to release detailed information about the complaints or supporting evidence.
Earlier in the day, a Punjab Police team reached Pathak’s Delhi residence to initiate action. By that time, he had already left. Delhi Police personnel were also present, and security around the premises was tightened.
Pathak, however, has denied any knowledge of the cases. He stated that no agency has contacted him and that he has received no formal notice. He further maintained that he has served the country with honesty and integrity. At the same time, he hinted that the timing of the action raises serious questions.
Political reactions intensify
Predictably, the timing of the FIRs has triggered a strong political response. The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal have both alleged political vendetta.
Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma accused the Bhagwant Mann government of using the police against opponents. He argued that the swift filing of non-bailable cases reflects insecurity within the ruling establishment. Moreover, he warned that such actions could turn governance into coercion.
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi also questioned the priorities of the Punjab Police. Similarly, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia raised concerns over selective targeting. He noted that Pathak was once a key figure in the AAP and said the sudden shift from influence to investigation raises serious questions.
Defection that changed the equation
The controversy comes in the wake of a major political shift. Pathak was among seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who resigned on April 24. The group includes Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Swati Maliwal and Vikramjit Sahney. They said the party had drifted from its founding principles.
Importantly, with seven out of ten AAP MPs switching sides, the group meets the two-thirds mark required under the anti-defection law. As a result, they are unlikely to face disqualification.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly opposed the defections. He called them unlawful and described them as a betrayal of the public mandate. He is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu on May 5 to raise the issue. Nevertheless, he has stressed that his government remains stable, pointing to the party’s majority and a recent confidence vote.
For now, the focus remains firmly on Pathak. Once seen as a key strategist behind AAP’s rise in Punjab, he now faces a complex mix of legal pressure and political confrontation. Ultimately, whether this episode unfolds as a legal battle or a political flashpoint will become clearer in the days ahead.
