Photo source: Internet
Shimla, Oct 6,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Una SDM Vishwa Mohan Dev Chauhan, who is facing allegations of rape under false pretense of marriage, threats, and blackmail. The court directed the SDM to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation, with the next hearing scheduled for October 16, when a status report on the investigation will be submitted.
The bench, headed by Justice Rakesh Kainthala, considered submissions from both parties before granting bail. During last Saturday’s hearing, the court was informed that a settlement had reportedly been reached between the SDM and the complainant. To verify the claim, the court asked the state government to submit a detailed report regarding the investigation.
According to the FIR lodged on September 23 at Una, the complainant alleged that she was contacted by the SDM on social media and subsequently called to his office on August 10, where she claimed he forcibly engaged in sexual relations. The complainant further alleged that on August 20, the SDM called her to Una Rest House, where a similar incident occurred. She also stated that the SDM showed her a video of the encounter and allegedly threatened and blackmailed her using it.
Also read: Accused Una SDM fails to secure anticipatory bail as High Court defers plea to Oct 3
The FIR was registered under Sections 351(2) and 69 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite the registration of the case, the Una police were unable to arrest the SDM for 14 days, during which he remained absconding. The SDM approached the High Court to avoid arrest and secured relief in the fourth hearing on October 6.
The court has emphasized that the SDM must join the police investigation and cooperate fully with the authorities. The next hearing will assess the progress of the investigation based on the status report submitted by the state.
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