An Aradhana for Ruchika: Friend kept bond alive even after death

CHANDIGARH: `A friend in need is a friend indeed' precisely describes Aradhana Prakash's character. She is the childhood friend of Ruchika Girhotra, who committed suicide after being molested by former Haryana DGP S P S Rathore.
Aradhana's bond with Ruchika and her 26-year crusade for justice for her friend is a rare story of courage. Aradhna had seen Ruchika's ordeal from close quarters.She was an eyewitness to the molestation incident and she also saw her friend being thrown out of her school. It was only on the basis of her statements that Rathore was convicted in 2010 after 20-year-long trial.
Talking to TOI on the day after the Supreme Court confir med Rathore's conviction, Aradhna, who is settled in Australia and at present in India to meet her parents, said, “This is what Ruchika wanted to tell the world before she died after facing almost two years of tormenting period. At least the entire world would now know that Rathore was the real culprit behind spoiling a bright girl“.
Aradhana said she was expect ing that Rathore may be asked to spend more time behind the bars but still she is satisfied with the SC verdict, which has sent a clear message to people like Rathore who would not dare to repeat such things.
Aradhana, who had to travel several times from Australia to depose in the case during the trial, also said her parents never asked her not to indulge in such legal matters but always fought for her friend just because “I wanted them to do so“.
Elaborating on the facts that led to such prolonged trial, Aradhana said initially Rathore used his influence to defer the case and when it reached the court, he filed multiple petitions before various courts to prolong the matter.
“24x7 television and social media were not in our life at that time. Had Ruchika's case been highlighted in a manner in which such cases are highlighted today, the case would have attained finality years ago,“ she added.
For Aradhana, tennis was a passion but then it suddenly became a cruel reminder and she stopped playing the game on the day Ruchika died. Aradhana had spent sleepless nights thinking about her friend and even delayed her marriage to fight the case.
“Helplessness and the pain that I have felt when Ruchika had committed suicide in 1993 cannot be expressed in words but I am sure at least today she must be resting in peace,“ said Aradhna.