Ruchika molestation case: Home Ministry to serve show cause notice to Rathore

NEW DELHI: In a move to fast forward its proceedings for stripping former Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) SPS Rathore of his coveted police medal following his role in Ruchika molestation case, the Central Government has decided to place his case before an awards committee.

Union Home Secretary G K Pillai said the concerned issue would be put up before an awards committee, which will meet on January 4, 2010.

Steps would be taken to issue show cause notice to former DGP Rathore, he further added.

The Haryana state government has also planned to open up all the cases against former DGP Rathore for his alleged involvement in the Ruchika molestation case and other related harassment cases.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said in New Delhi on Saturday, "The cases against former DGP Rathore will be opened up following legal consultations."

Hooda has also asked the senior police officials to provide full security to Ruchika's family.

The Haryana Police have removed all information related to Rathore from their official website.

Meanwhile, Ruchika's family has said that it will file a suit in the High Court to claim one crore rupees as monetary compensation for the damage caused by DGP Rathore to the prestige of the family.

Rathore, charged with alleged molestation of teenager Ruchika Girhotra, a promising young tennis star in 1990, was then an Inspector General of Police and the head of Haryana Lawn Tennis Federation.

Teenager Ruchika killed herself three years after the incident by drinking poison.

CBI's Special Magistrate J S Sidhu sentenced 67-year-old Rathore to six months rigorous imprisonment (RI) during an in-camera proceeding and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000, but Rathore got bail immediately.