Ruchika case: Soni welcomes reopening of case

New Delhi, Dec 24: Welcoming the CBI's decision to reopen the 19-year-old Ruchika molestation case, Information minister Ambika Soni said on Wednesday, Dec 23 that it is necessary to convey a message that an officer irrespective of his position must not be allowed to go free with lighter punishment.

"I have heard that CBI is addressing the case again. If Haryana government is reopening it then I welcome this decision as a woman. I think a message should go across that howsoever big the officer may be, and whatever be the post, if they play with any minor's life then they should not get any kind of relief," Soni said.

The former Haryana DGP S P S Rathore was sentenced to six months rigorous imprisonment for molesting 15-year-old Ruchika in 1990.

Rathore immediately acquired bail, without even spending a day in the prison.

The verdict on the case which came 19 years after the incident was considered to be too late and too little, particularly with Ruchika committing suicide in 1993 out of frustration.

Her family too was reported to have been harassed which led eventually led to her taking the extreme step.

The matter was raised in the Rajya Sabha CPI(M) member Brinda Karat on Dec 22, questioning the system which fails to protect children.

OneIndia News