Rathore's lawyer cites contradictions in witness' statements

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court
today resumed day-to-day hearing on SPS Rathore's revision
petition challenging his conviction in Ruchika molestation
case with his lawyer wife Abha citing contradictions in the
statements of the sole witness Aradhana.
Stressing that the incident of molestation as described
by Aradhana - the sole and prime witness in the case and
daughter of Anand Parkash - was "not possible", Abha contended
before the court that "if two persons are sitting on two sides
of a table, there is no chance of molestation."
Pointing out "contradictions" in the statements of
Aradhana during her examination in the case, Abha submitted
that the witness was interested to get Rathore convicted as
this family had feelings of "vengeance and vendetta" against
him.
Holding that Aradhana gave statements before the
prosecution at the age of 30 and was not a minor, Abha
contended that Aradhana had admitted in her statement that she
met ball picker Paltoo, but she tried to avoid Rathore on the
day of alleged crime.
"The timing of group of Aradhana and Ruchika to play
tennis was 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm, but they stayed at the Haryana
Lawn Tennis Association grounds till 6.30 pm when Rathore used
to come...in her statements Aradhana had changed details of
timings to implicate Rathore," Abha argued.
"Aradhana gave false testimony regarding avoidance of
Rathore," Abha submitted.
Abha argued that S C Girhotra had given statements
during the prosecution examination that his daughter Ruchika
left the house empty handed for the HLTA grounds on August 12,
1990 whereas Aradhana admitted that the deceased had first
come to her residence and gone to play tennis with racquets in
their hands.
"While Ruchika's friend says there was racquet in her
hands, the deceased's father had maintained that his daughter
was empty handed...there is contradiction in the testimony,"
Abha submitted.
Abha also contended that Anand Parkash, husband of the
complainant in the case Madhu, had "adverse and controversial"
service record.
"He (Anand Parkash) has been compulsorily retired from
the Government service on account of corruption," a calm
and composed Abha, assisted by her lawyer daughter Priyanjali,
told the court while giving references of government remark's
in Anand Parkash service record.