Click to play videoChandigarh: Ruchika Girhotra's father has accused politicians of shielding former Haryana director general of police (DGP) SPS Rathore who molested the young young 19 years ago.
As more details re-emerge in the Ruchika case it seems that Rathore got away with lightly thanks to his powerful politician friends.
Three chief ministers Bhajan Lal, Bansi Lal and Om Prakash Chautala remained in power as the sordid saga of the Ruchika molestation case played out. None of them did anything to bring the then inspector general of police SPS Rathore to book.
"Police and bureaucrats recommended immediate registration of case against Rathore but it was never done because of political interference," said former Haryana home secretary JK Duggal.
In fact the man who is said to have protected Rathore and elevated him, the then chief minister Chautala is now washing his hands off the Rathore mess.
"He was appointed before my tenure. We later removed him from the post," said Chautala
The then DGP and the home secretary are on record about Rathore's political connections. Now the judge who referred the case to CBI says very little can be done.
"When the chalan was presented it was presented in Section 306. The accused went in revision against the charge in the High Court and I understand that justice Kasuria said that Section 306 is not made out and the order has been upheld by the Supreme Court. My order was in 1998. Why for eight years the case was not registered. It is the duty of the court to register the case. Why it was not done?" asked Justice RL Anand.
The issue was also raised in Parliament by CPI-M MP Brinda Karat.
"The basic issue here is why only Section 354? Therefore they have to appeal for a harsh sentence. They have to appeal to ensure that more sections under the IPC are levied against this criminal," said Karat.
Even as Ruchika's family continues their legal battle, the voices joining in have been getting louder.
"We have formed a team of lawyers to look at into the gaps in the case. Sexual assault charges may be pressed. NCW may also file a case of civil damage," said NCW President Girija Vyas.
The pressure is growing for a re-look at the case. There are already two high profile instances - the Jessica Lal and Priyadarshini Mattoo cases.
For now the molester DGP is up against a wave of protests that could turn into real action soon.
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