Ruchika molestation: PIL to be filed in HC

A local NGO today said it would file a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a probe into the Ruchika Girhotra molestation and suicide case, even as her friend's family decided to begin a signature campaign tomorrow on her death anniversary.

A local NGO on Monday said it would file a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a probe into the Ruchika Girhotra molestation and suicide case, even as her friend's family decided to begin a signature campaign tomorrow on her death anniversary.

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The NGO World Human Rights Council (WHRC) told PTI that it would seek a probe into the girl's molestation by S P S Rathore in 1990 and the circumstances leading to the suicide of Ruchika three years after the incident.

WHRC chairman Ranjan Lakhanpal said, the PIL to be submitted before the court tomorrow, would also plead for investigation into booking of Ruchika's brother Ashu in false cases, including those relating to dacoity.

He said a local convent school, which had expelled Ruchika on the flimsy ground of non-payment of fees, would also be made a party.

The school had probably taken action against Ruchika under pressure of Rathore whose daughter was also studying in the same school, he claimed.

The PIL would also seek action against all responsible for the delay in probe into molestation and suicide cases and enhancement of sentence to Rathore who was awarded six months imprisonment by a CBI court.

Meanwhile, the Anand Prakash family, which has been fighting her case, said it will launch a 'Dharm Yudh' (fight for justice) against child abuse and crime against women.

"Tomorrow, on the occasion of her death anniversary, we will launch a Dharm Yudh against child abuse and crime against women," Ruchika's friend Aradhana told reporters.