Haryana police announce cash reward on absconding Himachal MLA

The decision for cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to Chaudhary's arrest was taken by state police's top brass, which met in Panchkula to discuss strategy to nab the newly-elected absconding MLA.

A reward of Rs 50,000 each was also announced on the three other accused Paramjeet, Dharampal and Gurmeet wanted in the case, an official spokesperson said.

He said a special police team headed by DCP Ambala Ashok Kumar is camping in Dharamsala to execute a fresh arrest warrant issued against Chaudhary by a Panchkula court on January 5.

Chaudhary's anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the court on December 27.

State police chief S N Vashisht has also sent a request to his Himachal counterpart with copies of arrest warrants, seeking help of HP Police in arresting the fugitives.

The MLA is wanted by Haryana Police in connection with the murder of the girl, a native of Hoshiarpur in Punjab, who was found dead in Panchkula on November 22.

The girl's postmortem report had confirmed that she died of head injuries and had an abortion recently.

It was only after the investigation of her cell phone details, the role of MLA came under scanner.

Victim's father had filed a complaint with Haryana police alleging that Chaudhary had close links with his daughter and he could be involved in the murder.

He also alleged that Chaudhary had visited his house during the marriage of his younger daughter in September 2009.

Chaudhary, son of four-time Congress MLA, Lajja Ram was elected from Doon constituency in Baddi in the recently-concluded Assembly polls.