Ruchika case: Government shows signs of repentance

Nineteen years after SPS Rathore molested Ruchika, harassed her family, forced her to commit suicide, and tried to openly bribe investigators and influence the course of justice, the government seems to be finally showing signs of repentance.

The Union home ministry on Tuesday indicated it will take the legal battle against Rathore to a higher court and press fresh charges against him. “We are studying the judgment. Fresh sections of the Indian Penal Code may be applied against Rathore,” a senior home ministry official said. The ministry has called Ruchika’s lawyer Pankaj Bhardwaj from Chandigarh on Wednesday.

The official said the chances of Rathore, who allegedly drove Ruchika to suicide, being booked for abetment of suicide are not very high. “There are legal obstacles involved in booking Rathore for abetment. We are examining the matter and a decision will be taken after studying the judgment convicting Rathore,” the official said.

He is likely to be booked for offences including obstruction of justice, attempt to bribe a public servant and misuse of official position. Fresh cases are likely to be registered on those three counts.

Rathore allegedly approached Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, including former joint director RM Singh, and tried to lure him into altering the course of the investigation.

But the pressing of a bribery charge will depend on whether Singh stands by his assertion.