Ruchika molestation case convict DGP SPS Rathore on Republic Day dais, sparks row

Chandigarh: Former Haryana director general of police (DGP) SPS Rathore, convicted in the molestation of 14-year-old Ruchika Girhotra, shared the stage with several top dignitaries during district-level Republic Day celebrations held in Panchkula. 

Rathore, was reportedly seated in the first row, at Panchkula's Sector-5 Parade Ground. He left after the flag-hoisting ceremony.

“Deeply saddened. Administration needs to give explanation. Who invited him? No girl can feel secure with such behaviour of administration,” said Aradhana Gupta, friend of Ruchika Girhotra. 

In 1990, 14-year-old Ruchika Girhotra was sexually abused by Rathore, the then Inspector General of Police in Haryana. 

After filing a complaint, Girhotra was harassed by the police, leading to her eventual suicide on 28 December 1993. 

On 22 December 2009, 19 years after the incident, the court pronounced Rathore guilty and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment. Rathore’s conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2016.