Legal troubles for BJP MLA Hans Raj from Churah deepened, with filing of third FIR against him
The legal troubles for BJP MLA Hans Raj from Churah in Chamba district have deepened, with a third FIR now filed against him — this time under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The latest complaint, lodged on Friday evening, accuses the legislator of physically abusing a girl when she was a minor. Her statement has been formally recorded in court, and a medical examination has been completed.
A Timeline of Escalating Accusations
- Friday’s FIR: Based on the victim’s direct complaint, police have launched a full investigation into the POCSO-related charges. DSP Hitesh Lakhanpal confirmed that all aspects of the case are being examined.
- Thursday’s FIR: The victim’s father alleged that Hans Raj’s aides — including his personal secretary Lekh Raj and associate Muniyan Khan — kidnapped him and his daughter, took them to Shimla, and threatened them to retract the girl’s earlier statement. This FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering kidnapping, assault, and criminal intimidation.
- First FIR (August 2024): The woman initially accused the MLA of sending obscene messages and demanding explicit photos. She later withdrew her allegations in a social media video, citing mental stress. However, just six days ago, she posted another emotional video, claiming the MLA had destroyed her family and expressing fear for her life.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions
The case has drawn widespread attention:
- The girl’s father held a press conference with Congress leader Yashwant Khanna, alleging further threats and intimidation by the MLA’s aides.
- The Himachal Pradesh Women’s Commission has stepped in, requesting a report from the Chamba SP and urging swift action.
- Even the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student wing of the BJP, has called for an impartial investigation, submitting a memorandum to the Chamba police demanding transparency.
