Ruchika is around,watching the wheels of justice move: Aradhana

Aradhana,who became friends with Ruchika when she was 13,has carried the friendship through the years — even after her marriage,two children,and her move to Australia.

Her recent meeting with Ruchika’s younger brother Ashu after many years reinforced the pain. “I could see my friend’s face reflected in him. And as he looked at me with deep affection,I knew he was trying to see his loved sister,” she says softly. “He said to me,‘You are like Ruchika to us now’.”

Meeting Ashu’s daughter Gaurika was a touching moment too,recalls Aradhana. “Gaurika called me bua,and I felt both happy and also sad as I looked at the child. How I wish that despite all her pain,Ruchika had not ended her life,” says a wistful Aradhana.

“For the world,it all happened more than a decade ago. For me,Ruchika is still here; she has not gone anywhere. At each important juncture,in times of doubt and also hope,I communicate my thoughts to her. I ask her,‘Did I do right? Is there something more I should be doing? After she went away,I made a promise to her — that I will take it (the battle for justice) to the end. I will keep my promise,” she says with a quiet resolve.

‘The battle has just begun’
Aradhana and her family members tearfully hugged each other in a silent gratitude to god after they received the news of Section 306 (abetment to suicide) being imposed on former DGP S P S Rathore.

Aradhana’s father Anand Prakash said this was the first step towards justice. “This is the people’s victory. And the battle is not over. It has just begun. Section 306 has been slapped on Rathore’s face,but he is only the engine. The bogeys are yet to come. All those guilty of criminal conspiracy against Ruchika and her family will be tried under Section 120-B. I am hopeful that Ruchika and her family will get complete justice now,” he says.

Aradhana adds that when CBI investigated the case the last time,Rathore was a DGP and influenced things. “Now,the system is awakening. All those who had connived with Rathore are not saving him now. They are trying to save their skin. Now they will have to pay for the excesses against Ruchika and her family,” she states firmly.

The rehabilitation of the Girhotra family and compensation to them for acute harassment is also a major priority area for Aradhana and her parents. “For me,Ruchika’s words are finally coming true. She had said,‘I want to make sure that this (molestation) never happens to any other girl’. I am happy for my friend today,” she says.