Shimla, Aug 19
A BJP MLA in Himachal Pradesh has been booked for allegedly seducing a young woman through objectionable posts on social media. The matter came to light after the woman, whose identity has been kept confidential, filed a formal complaint with the police, accusing the legislator of inappropriate behavior.
Hailing from Churah in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, the 20-year-old woman has lodged a complaint at Mahila Thana, Chamba, accusing the BJP MLA and former Vidhan Sabha Speaker, of harassment.
The victim, claims that the MLA pressured her to share explicit photos on WhatsApp and to meet him under inappropriate conditions.
According to the complaint, the MLA, a prominent figure in the local political scene, allegedly used his social media accounts to send messages and posts that were sexual in nature, attempting to seduce the young woman. The posts, which were reportedly persistent and unsolicited, caused significant distress to the victim, leading her to approach the authorities.
The FIR, filed on August 9 under Sections 75 and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code(BNS), has sparked controversy, particularly as no significant action has been taken against the accused.
The complainant, whose father is reportedly a close aide of the MLA, alleges in her complaint that her family is being pressured to withdraw the complaint. Despite her pleas for justice and protection, the accused MLA has not yet joined the investigation, raising concerns about the delay in the legal process.
Sources reveal that the MLA, who holds considerable influence in the region, has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the state BJP leadership has refrained from commenting, stating that they will await the outcome of the legal process.
Now the Sukhu-led Congress government has come under fire for the lack of progress in the case. Chamba SP Abhishek Yadav confirmed that the FIR was lodged and the victim’s statement recorded in court, but no further updates have been provided regarding the involvement of the accused.
Even though the truth will be revealed after investigation but meanwhile on social media a video statement of the complainant has figured. The complainant has claimed that the said FIR was filed but was not true. The girl stated that she filed the complaint under mental stress and due to a misunderstanding. She also claimed to have recorded her statement in the court on August 16.
Efforts to contact the accused MLA for his response have been unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remains switched off.
As the investigation lingers, the case has drawn widespread criticism.
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