School threw out Ruchika under pressure
Molestation victim Ruchika Girhotra was singled out for expulsion by Sacred Heart School, possibly due to external pressure. The Chandigarh administration report said on Thursday that the school expelled Ruchika for not paying fees even though she was not the only defaulter, reports Amit Roy. Full coverage
Molestation victim Ruchika Girhotra was singled out for expulsion by Sacred Heart School, possibly due to external pressure.
The Chandigarh administration report said on Thursday the school expelled Ruchika for not paying fees even though she was not the only defaulter.
Priyanjali, daughter of S.P.S Rathore, the former Haryana police chief who molested Ruchika in 1990, was also a defaulter along with many others. But Ruchika alone was expelled that year without being served any intimation.
Her family members have alleged there was pressure on them to withdraw charges against Rathore till Ruchika committed suicide in 1993.
“The school authorities acted under some outside compelling influence in the arbitrary decision of singling out (the) late Ruchika Girhotra and selectively applying the rules pertaining to non-payment of fees to her case,” the report stated.
“It is amply evident the school authorities indulged in the contemptuous act of expelling (the) late Ruchika Girhotra and did not act independently or impartially …” the report said.
It recommended strict action by the school authorities and the Central Board of Secondary Education against Principal Sister Sebastina.
The administration has decided to withdraw the state award given to the principal.
The report has been sent to the Panchkula police, which are investigating the case.
Ruchika’s father, S.C. Girhotra, has alleged she was expelled at Rathore’s behest. “This aspect requires an in-depth and thorough probe,” inquiry officer Prerna Puri, sub-divisional magistrate, said in her report.