Christian school questioned in Ruchika case

A Christian school has come under scanner following investigation into the Ruchika molestation case that has startled the entire nation over the last week.

An inquiry has been initiated against Sacred Heart School in Chandigarh which expelled Ruchika Girhotra in September 1990 after she was molested by a senior cop.

Former principal of the school Sister Sebastina will be questioned by the Chandigarh administration to ascertain if the school had expelled Ruchika "for not paying fees" as claimed or if it was the influence of former Harayana top cop S P S Rathore.

Rathore, according to media sources, had molested the 14-year-old budding sportsperson in his office-cum-residence in Aug 1990.

After Ruchika and her friends complained to the Haryana government, Rathore allegedly harassed her and tortured her family, forcing them into hiding for many years.

Three years after the incident Ruchika committed suicide by consuming poison.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), meanwhile, said Church runs schools "not for expulsion but for excellence" and "all the circumstances should be thoroughly investigated before reaching on a conclusion".

Said CBCI spokesman Rev. Babu Joseph: "All our schools have been trying to cater to the best interest of the students and their welfare. There can be some human errors due to variety of reasons. They are addressed at appropriate forums and times."

"It is unlikely that the school would have taken an action that goes contrary to the interest of the students and the Christian principle of charity," Joseph told IANS.

Ruchika's family and friends have been claiming that she was expelled by her school under pressure from Rathore.

The church and the school management however has denied the claims, and has agreed to cooperate with all investigations into the incident.

Incidentally, around 20 activists of Bajrang Dal today held a demonstration outside the school.

The Bajrang Dal activists raised slogans demanding cancellation of the affiliation of the school.