Chamba Court grants interim bail to BJP MLA Hansraj in POCSO case, next hearing on November 20
Photo source: Internet
Shimla/Chamba, Nov 11,
The ongoing controversy surrounding BJP MLA Hansraj from Churah took another turn on Tuesday, as the District and Sessions Court in Chamba granted him interim anticipatory bail in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The court directed the legislator to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation and fixed November 20 as the next date of hearing.
The case has drawn widespread attention after a minor girl, who had earlier accused the MLA of sexual harassment, submitted a fresh complaint on November 7, alleging physical abuse and continued intimidation. This led the Chamba Women’s Police Station to reopen investigations based on an FIR originally filed on August 16, 2024, in which the legislator was accused of obscene online chats, coercion for explicit images, and threats.
The issue resurfaced dramatically last week after the girl released a video statement alleging that her family was being threatened and that the MLA had “ruined her life.” Following the video’s circulation, police launched a search operation to locate Hansraj, who was reportedly untraceable for several days before appearing before the court on Monday to seek protection from arrest.
In his defense, MLA Hansraj has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image. He has also indicated plans to file a defamation suit against those levelling charges against him.
Meanwhile, the case took a further twist when the victim’s father, accompanied by Congress leader Yashwant Khanna, alleged that after the girl gave her initial statement to the court last year, they were abducted by the MLA’s aides and the girl was coerced into retracting her testimony.
The Chamba police have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the alleged abduction or the recent claims made in the video. Officials, however, confirmed that the investigation remains active and that the MLA’s cooperation will be closely monitored in compliance with the court’s directions.
The case is now slated for detailed hearing on November 20, when the court will review the police investigation’s progress and decide on the continuation or cancellation of bail.
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