Churah MLA Hans Raj Seeks Anticipatory Bail in Sexual Assault Case; Police Launch Search

Churah MLA Files Anticipatory Bail Plea in Sexual Assault Case; Police Begin Search After He Goes Missing

Churah MLA Dr. Hans Raj has filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Chamba District and Sessions Court in connection with a sexual assault case registered against him by a woman.

The court has sought a response from the State Government and police authorities by Tuesday before taking up the matter for hearing.

Dr. Hans Raj, a three-term legislator and former Deputy Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, has been evading law enforcement since the case was registered. His legal counsel filed the bail plea on his behalf.

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

Police Launch Search Operation

According to police officials, the MLA has been untraceable since the woman lodged her complaint at the Women Police Station in Chamba.

A police team visited his residence on Saturday and issued a notice through family members directing him to appear before the investigating officers for questioning. However, he failed to comply with the summons.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hitesh Lakhanpal confirmed that multiple teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the legislator.

Serious Allegations and Past Complaint

The complainant has alleged that the MLA had been sexually exploiting her since she was a minor.

Earlier this month, she went live on social media accusing Dr. Hans Raj of sexual abuse and intimidation, following which she lodged a formal police complaint.

This is not the first allegation against the legislator. On August 9 last year, the same woman had filed a complaint accusing him of sending obscene messages and issuing threats. She later withdrew the complaint, claiming that she had acted under mental pressure and external influence.

In her new complaint, however, she alleges that she was forced to retract her earlier accusations after receiving threats from the MLA and his associates.

Separate Case Against MLA’s Aides

The woman’s father has also accused the MLA’s close aides of abducting him and his daughter to coerce them into changing their statements.

Police have registered a separate case against the legislator’s personal assistant and another individual based on the father’s complaint.

Public and Political Outrage

The case has triggered widespread public and political outrage in Chamba district, with demands for swift and impartial investigation.

Former Churah MLA Surender Bhardwaj held a press conference in Chamba, urging authorities to take strict and unbiased action against Dr. Hans Raj.

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, calling for a transparent and time-bound probe into the allegations.