Bureaucrat told to join ongoing investigation; next hearing on October 16
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday (October 6, 2025) granted anticipatory bail to Vishav Dev Mohan Chauhan, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Una, who has been evading arrest for the past two weeks in an alleged r*ape case.
The order was passed by Justice Rakesh Kainthla. The court heard arguments from both sides before granting the interim relief to the accused officer. The judge has directed the SDM to join the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, the investigating officer has been ordered to present a status report on the case before the court on the next date of hearing, which is scheduled for October 16.
The case was registered against the SDM based on a complaint from a woman Taekwondo player from Una. The complainant alleged that Chauhan sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, including at his office and at a government guest house in Una on August 10, after promising to marry her.
The legal proceedings have seen several twists. The High Court first heard the matter on September 26 and had sought a report from the police. During a subsequent hearing on October 3, the SDM’s lawyer informed the court that a settlement had been reached between the accused and the victim. However, the court had then directed the victim to appear personally and record her statement.
The Una police had registered the case on September 23 but had been unable to apprehend the senior bureaucrat, despite conducting raids at his home and several other locations. The police had only managed to seize his Audi car.
With the grant of anticipatory bail, the SDM, who has been underground, is now required to present himself before the investigating authorities. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the allegations against a serving government official.
