Centre might order reinvestigation into Ruchika molestation case

There are indications that the Centre will order a reinvestigation of the case against former Haryana director general of police S P S Rathore, convicted of molesting a teenaged girl who later killed herself, in the face of public outcry that he got away with a light punishment and that should be charged with abetment to suicide.

Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily [ Images ] told journalists in Mangalore on Saturday in response to a question that the Centre would direct re-investigation into the case.

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

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said 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 said.

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 journalists in New Delhi [ Images ].