Zeenews Bureau
Chandigarh: After much pressure from all quarters, sources have revealed that CBI will launch a fresh probe into the Ruchika Girhotra molestation in which Haryana`s former DGP SPS Rathore was given six months jail.
Sources have also revealed that Centre has pushed CBI to appeal in a higher court and push for the maximum punishment of 2 years for Rathore.
Various individuals and organisations had expressed discontent at the quantum of punishment handed out to Rathore. The National Commission for Women, Left parties, BJP chief Nitin Gadkari, the judge who initially ordered CBI probe into the matter are among votaries for better handling of the case.
CBI is consulting with the Directorate of Prosecution to re-investigate the case, sources at the agency have revealed.
Earlier, in a startling revelation, DGP (Retd) RR Singh, immediate senior of SPS Rathore and probing officer in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case, has said that he was threatened by Rathore during the probe.
Speaking to journalists, Singh recalled the events related to "threats and pressure mounted by Rathore" on him.
He was the first officer to probe the charges against Rathore, and he retired in 1992 after submitting his report to the Haryana government, saying it was a "planned molestation".
"While I conducted the probe, he (SPS Rathore) garnered the support of all residents of Rajiv Colony (a slum) in Panchkula and people of his community in Naraingarh, Ambala district. They staged dharnas outside my office and home. I mentioned everything in my report to the Haryana government as well as to the Union ministry of home affairs," he said.
RR Singh also said that he perceived a threat from Rathore and chose to retain his security cover even after retirement.
"Truth has prevailed and Rathore is now a convict. It was a case of pre-planned molestation. He deliberately sent Aradhana out of his office and molested Ruchika," Singh said. "This is what I said in my report to the ministry, to the CBI, and in the CBI court."
Meanwhile furor over the punishment- six months and affine of Rs 1000- refuses to die. From NCW to the various civil rights groups, there us a demand for appeal in a higher court as well reopening of the case.
Joining the chorus, Justice RL Anand, who ordered a CBI inquiry into the case, also said he was not happy with the verdict. He told a TV channel that the punishment was meagre and the case deserved another hearing.
On Wednesday the NCW chief Girija Vyas had demanded that he Haryana govt file an appeal against the decision in a higher court.
