Ruchika Girhotra: SC Holds Ex-Haryana DGP Guilty, Reduces Sentence
While upholding the conviction, SC reduced his jail term from 18 months to the 5 months he has already served.
The Supreme Court on Friday morning confirmed the conviction of former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case.
The apex court, however, reduced his jail term from 18 months to the one he’s already served. He had been sentenced to 18 months in prison, but was granted bail after five.
The court added that his conviction has been upheld, but the order on his sentence is being modified.
On 20 August 1990, Rathore had molested Girhotra, who was a 14-year-old budding tennis player. Rathore was then the IGP with Haryana Police and president of the Haryana Lawn Tennis Association (HLTA).
When Girhotra complained, she was expelled from her school for “indiscipline.” Her family was also reportedly harassed on Rathore’s orders.
In 1993, Girhotra consumed poison and committed suicide.
Rathore was convicted by a Chandigarh court in 2009, and sentenced to six months imprisonment, which was later enhanced to 18 months. In 2010, CBI registered three fresh FIRs, charging Rathore of Attempt to Murder, Abetment to Suicide and Doctoring of Documents.
(Sources: Times of India, Indian Express)