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Updated: Jan 28, 2018 23:15 IST

Former Haryana director general of police (DGP) SPS Rathore, convicted in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case, was seen sharing the stage with other dignitaries at the district-level Republic Day function in Panchkula, raising eyebrows.

Rathore, who was seen sitting in the front row, left soon after the flag-hoisting ceremony that was held at the Sector-5 Parade Ground.

Ruchika’s friend, Aradhana Gupta, said his presence at the function was a “disgrace” to the Tricolour. “He (Rathore) must have been invited to the function. It is shameless on the part of the local administration. By endorsing such criminals, who have been convicted by the Supreme Court, the administration is directly encouraging such crimes,” said Aradhana.

Ruchika was molested by Rathore at his house-cum-Haryana Lawn Tennis Association (HLTA) office in Sector 6, Panchkula, on August 12, 1990. Nearly, three years after the incident, Ruchika had committed suicide.

Aradhana’s testimony had led to Rathore’s conviction in the trial court, but it was her parents Madhu Prakash, and Anand Parkash who fought persistently to ensure justice for Ruchika. Rathore’s conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2016.

Also Read: Justice for Ruchika? 26-year ordeal shows system can’t be changed

Anand Parkash died recently, after struggling for justice for Ruchika for over two decades.

His wife Madhu said she was deeply saddened by the “insensitive” behaviour of the local administrators. “It is a disgrace to our Constitution and an insult to the verdict of the Supreme Court, which held him guilty,” she said.

Shalini Malviya, member of Swaraj India, that held a remembrance meeting on Republic Day in honour of Anand Parkash, said it was ironical that on the one hand they were remembering a person who fought against Rathore and on the other hand, the convicted DGP was being given so much importance. “It reflects the Haryana government’s non-serious attitude towards women’s security,” she said.

The administration remained tight-lipped. Additional deputy commissioner Mukul Kumar, who was officiating the function in the absence of deputy commissioner Guari Prashar Joshi, could not be reached. A senior official said that there must have been some mistake in inviting dignitaries on the part of the administration.

All senior officials of police and civil administration were present during the function, where Ambala divisional commissioner Vivek Joshi was the chief guest.

Also read | Ruchika Girhotra molestation case: Man who fought for justice for 26 years passes away