Haryana DGP Rathore gets a little help from the CM

Haryana DGP Rathore gets a little help from the CM
AJAY SURI

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 23: If controversial Haryana DGP S.P.S Rathore has been looking for a leg-up, he's getting it from none other than the Haryana Chief Minister. Om Prakash Chautala made it amply clear today that the DGP, who was chargesheeted by the CBI on charges of molestation and abetment to suicide in the Ruchika Girothra case, will not be removed from office.

Why is the media so engrossed in a case that concerns only Haryana, wondered Chautala, who was camping at the Haryana Bhavan in Delhi. He also dismissed the CBI chargesheet against Rathore. ``What is the CBI but a central police force? So many people approach the CBI with false complaints. It's routine. I myself have suffered tremendously at the hands of the CBI.''

The final arbiter in the matter, Chautala said, would be the court, and he would abide by whatever decision it took. ``But obviously, I wouldn't take action merely on the basis of a CBI chargesheet,'' he stated.

Chautala also dismissed talk that the cop was being cornered by adverse public opinion. ``No, there is no public sentiment against Rathore in Haryana. Everything is normal. And in any case, I am running the administration and I'll ensure that it's run smoothly,'' he quipped.

Asked if he had sought legal opinion in the matter since it concerned the state's seniormost police officer, Chautala clarified that he saw no need to do so. ``What opinion should I seek? Let the court tackle the case as it deems fit.'' But he emphasised that Rathore would ``always remain a DG (Director General) no matter what, even if he is removed as the DGP (Director General of Police).''