On August 12, 1990, Shambhu Pratap Singh Rathore, a 1966-batch IPS officer and then IG of Haryana, molested Ruchika Girhotra at the office of the Haryana Lawn Tennis Association.

Ruchika Girhotra was a bright-eyed 14-year-old who dreamt of making it big in tennis.

Ruchika, along with her friend Aradhna Prakash, were enrolled as trainees at the Haryana Lawn Tennis Association (HLTA).

The two girls had gone to play tennis on the fateful day and had met Rathore in his office. Rathore asked Aradhana to call the tennis coach to his room. He then molested the minor girl when she was left alone with him in his room.

Rathore released Ruchika only when Aradhna returned to the room and witnessed the shocking incident.

Ruchika's family and friends were repeatedly harassed by Rathore's men and the police after she filed a complaint against Rathore. In fact, Ruchika was even expelled from her school - Sacred Heart Convent School for 'indiscipline'.

Her brother Ashu was tortured by Rathore's henchmen and was sent to jail in 11 car theft cases.

After her death and due to constant harassment, Ruchika's father and brother had to leave Panchkula.

On December 28, 1993 Ruchika committed suicide by consuming poison.