Centre may consider reinvestigation into Ruchika molestation case

Indications emerged on Saturday that the case against former Haryana DGP S P S Rathore, convicted of molesting a teenaged girl who later killed herself, may be reinvestigated in the face of public outcry that he got away with a light punishment and that should be charged with abetment to suicide.

Indications emerged on Saturday that the case against former Haryana DGP S P S Rathore, convicted of molesting a teenaged girl who later killed herself, may be reinvestigated in the face of public outcry that he got away with a light punishment and that should be charged with abetment to suicide.

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Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily told reporters in Mangalore in reponse to a question that the Centre will direct re-investigation into the case.

"The Centre will request for reinvestigation of the Ruchika case", he said.

Haryaba Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said here that the case against Rathore, who has been sentenced to six-month imprisonment for molesting Ruchika, a budding tennis player, "should be revisited". The light sentence given to 67-year-old former top cop has led to a public uproar.

"After examining (the case) legally, I think it should be revisited. It needs revisitation on the whole issue. I am fully sympathising with the family (of Ruchika)," Hooda told reporters here.

Meanwhile, the central government has also initiated steps to withdraw the police medal awarded to Rathore in 1985 and reduce his pension.

"The matter will be placed before an award committee on January 4, when the committee will meet. Thereafter the recommendation will go to the president," Union Home Secretary G K Pillai told reporters here.