CBI refuses to reveal info in Ruchika molestation case

CBI has refused to reveal information on as to why former Punjab DGP SPS Rathore was not prosecuted by it for abetment of suicide of budding tennis player Ruchika Girhotra 19 years ago.

CBI has refused to reveal information on as to why former Punjab DGP SPS Rathore was not prosecuted by it for abetment of suicide of budding tennis player Ruchika Girhotra 19 years ago.

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In a reply to an RTI query seeking information on the alleged decision of the then CBI director RK Raghavan turning down the recommendation of its joint director to prosecute Rathore with the senior charge, the probe agency contended such information was exempted under the Act.

"Supply of such information is exempted under Section 8 (1)(h) of the Right to Information Act 2005," the CBI replied to the query of Supreme Court lawyer Ajay K Agrawal, who filed the application.

Ruchika was molested by 68-year-old Rathore and was allegedly driven to suicide due to harassment by the former IPS officer.

On December 21, a Punchkula court had convicted Rathore and sentenced him to six months' rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000 for molesting the 14-year-old girl in 1990, three years after she committed suicide.

CBI had registered fresh cases against Rathore following huge public outcry.