Churah MLA files pre-arrest bail plea in Chamba court

Churah MLA Dr Hans Raj, booked in a sexual exploitation case filed by a woman, has moved an anticipatory bail application in the District and Sessions Court, Chamba. The court has sought the state and the police to file a reply on Tuesday before taking up the matter for hearing.

The third-term MLA and former Deputy Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, who is avoiding law enforcement agencies, filed the anticipatory bail application through his counsel.

A case has been registered against him under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The MLA has remained untraceable since November 7 soon after the woman lodged a complaint against him at the Women Police Station, Chamba, alleging that she was exploited by the MLA ever since she was a minor.

A team had visited Dr Hans Raj’s residence on Saturday and served a notice through his family members, directing him to appear before investigators for questioning today. However, he did not comply with the summons.

Chamba Additional Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal said multiple teams have been dispatched to trace and arrest the legislator. Earlier this month, the woman went live on social media, levelling grave allegations of sexual exploitation against the MLA. She later filed a complaint with the police.

On August 9 last year, the same woman had lodged a complaint against the MLA, accusing him of sending obscene messages and issuing threats. She later withdrew the allegations, stating she had acted under mental stress and someone’s influence. However, in her renewed allegations, the woman claimed she was forced to withdraw the previous complaint after being threatened by the MLA and his aides.

The woman’s father had also accused close aides of the MLA of abducting him and his daughter forcing the latter to change her statement. Notably, the police have registered a separate case against his personal secretary and another individual based on the father’s complaint.

The controversy has sparked widespread public and political outrage in Chamba, with growing calls for accountability. Former Churah MLA Surender Bhardwaj, held a press conference in Chamba, demanding strict and impartial action against Dr Hans Raj. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) also submitted a memorandum to the DC, urging the administration to ensure swift and transparent investigation in the case.