CHANDIGARH: Calling Tuesday's
judgment the first milestone, Ruchika's father S C Girhotra said, "We are
satisfied... but victory will come only if Rathore is charged under Section 306
IPC for abetment to suicide."
On the tactics adopted by Rathore and his wife inside the courtroom as far as
the accused's alleged health problems were concerned, Girhotra termed it medical
frustration. He added, "Though we cannot bring Ruchika back in our lives, her
soul will rest in peace on seeing Rathore being arrested."
"Today's verdict also shows no one is above law. Even a powerful person like him
can be punished. One must not tolerate injustice," he added.
With Rathore's arrest, his police and political clout, which had saved him for
so many years, had also come to an end. Anand Prakash, Girhotras' family friend
and father of Ruchika's friend Aradhana said, "Powerful people are not above law
and today's verdict proves it. We're satisfied with the court order... people
like Rathore cannot escape the law of the land." He added, "Our fight for
justice has not reached its final destination. Today's victory is a step towards
the end of an era of Rathore. We want him to pay for his sins."
By enhancing the sentence, Prakash said, the court had nailed the lies of the
tainted ex-cop and his counsel-wife, Abha Rathore. "The lower and sessions
courts have convicted Rathore. We are ready for the battles in HC and the apex
court," he said.
"Our next step will be to expedite the three FIRs registered against Rathore and
others. We will not stop till every accused is put away behind bars," Prakash
said.
Pankaj Bhardwaj, Girhotras' lawyer was smiling. "So should every Indian be," he
said. The lawyer for Ruchika's family called the decision a landmark one.
Bhardwaj said the verdict would reinforce common man's faith in judicial system.
"The court has sent a clear message to everyone — nobody is above law and even
powerful people like Rathore can be put behind bars for their sins," the
advocate added.