Chamba Court Grants Interim Bail to Churah MLA Hans Raj in POCSO Case
Chamba, Nov 11:
In a major relief for BJP’s Churah MLA Hans Raj, the District and Sessions Court of Chamba on Tuesday granted him interim bail in the sexual assault case registered under the POCSO Act.
The MLA, who has been facing heat ever since a young woman accused him of exploitation when she was a minor, secured protection from arrest after filing an anticipatory bail plea earlier this week.
The court asked the police to file their response and listed the matter for the next hearing on November 20.
Fresh FIR Triggers Political Tremors
The case erupted on November 8, when a woman from the minority community lodged a complaint at the Women Police Station, alleging that Hans Raj maintained a physical relationship with her during her teenage years and later threatened her into silence.
A separate complaint by her father alleged that the MLA’s aides abducted them to Shimla and forced them to retract statements.
Following the FIR, police teams visited the MLA’s home in Dhaiyas village, but he was not found there.
Who Is Hans Raj?
A three-time MLA from the remote Churah (SC) constituency, the 41-year-old leader is among the youngest faces in Himachal’s BJP unit.
He served as Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly between 2018 and 2022.
Congress Targets BJP, Party Maintains Silence
The case has given fresh ammunition to the Congress, which has demanded a swift and transparent investigation.
Women’s groups have also sought monitoring of the probe, while the BJP is yet to issue a formal statement beyond terming the allegations “a matter of law”.
The MLA has denied all charges, calling them politically engineered.
What Lies Ahead
With interim bail granted, the MLA avoids immediate arrest, but the investigation continues.
The next hearing on November 18 will determine whether he gets regular bail or faces further legal action.
