Noose tightens for SPS Rathore

In the face of mounting public pressure, the Centre and the Haryana government have decided to tighten the noose around former state DGP SPS Rathore convicted in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case that happened 19 years ago. While the Home Ministry has set on roll the process to divest him of police medal and post-retirement benefits, the state government has indicated reopening the entire case.

The home ministry on Saturday slammed showcause notices on the former DGP seeking his reaction as to why his police medal should not be taken away and pension reduced in view of behaviour “unbecoming” of a senior police officer. Confirming the issuance of notices to Rathore, home secretary GK Pillai said that the medal issue would also come before the committee, specifically meant for awarding medals to police officers, on January 4.

The committee will take a final view in the light of the reply received from Rathore. Based on that it would send its recommendations to the President, the ministry sources added.
Rathore, a 1965 batch IPS officer was awarded the police medal for meritorious service on August 15, 1985. However, he was never considered for the President’ Police Medal following an adverse report given by the Intelligence Bureau.

The state chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has agreed to revisit the case and accordingly fix responsibility.