Is Himachal MLA Hans Raj Facing Charges Under the POCSO Act?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Himachal MLA Hans Raj has been charged under serious allegations.
- The case highlights the importance of protecting minors from abuse.
- Victims must be supported in their pursuit of justice.
- The political implications of such allegations can be significant.
- Public awareness and advocacy are crucial in cases of sexual misconduct.
Shimla, Nov 8 (NationPress) - A BJP legislator from Himachal Pradesh, Hans Raj, has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following a woman's complaint alleging she was sexually assaulted during her childhood, according to police reports on Saturday.
The legislator, representing the Churah constituency in the Chamba district, faces serious allegations under Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the POCSO Act and Section 69 (criminalizing sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The complaint was officially filed at the Women's police station on Friday evening.
According to police, the FIR was registered after the victim provided her statement under Section 183 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Chamba.
Recently, the woman publicly accused the MLA of serious sexual offenses and intimidation via a Facebook live session, claiming to have evidence to support her allegations.
In a seven-minute video, she stated that the legislator had devastated her family and expressed fear for her safety. In contrast, Hans Raj released a video declaring the accusations as unfounded and politically driven.
The woman's father later informed the media that the MLA's aides had threatened them, allegedly kidnapping them and destroying their mobile phones, warning them against pursuing the case.
A police spokesperson confirmed that a case was initiated after the victim, now in her early twenties, accused Hans Raj of sexual abuse when she was a minor.
She described in her statement that the legislator had engaged in physical relations with her without her consent.
She also identified the specific location where the alleged crime took place.
Previously, last year, the victim filed an FIR against Hans Raj for alleged phone harassment and demands for obscene photographs, but did not initially accuse him of rape, although she later withdrew her statement.