Corruption Watch

[Guest]

Corrupt system lies exposed

pioneer.com

Arun Nehru

The Ruchika Girhotra molestation case has gathered momentum with the media having created yet another miracle akin to the Jessica Lall, Nitish Katara, and Priyadarshini Mattoo cases. I have little doubt that former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore will get the punishment he deserves. But I wonder what will happen to the hundreds others in the police, the CBI, the judiciary and in the political establishment who shielded Rathore from the law. Ruchika committed suicide because she could not bear the harassment that her family was being put through by Rathore and his ‘friends’. Her brother was tortured and fake cases filed against him. All those complicit are still part of the system. But will the UPA Government, in addition to reforming the system, punish all these people?



The public response in this case is explosive and everyone seems to identify with Ruchika’s family. The public anger against the system over this case is palpable. Harassment, extortion and corruption have reached absurd levels in our country. I think we are going to see some remarkable changes due to this case as no Government, judiciary or bureaucracy can afford to fight the force of public opinion in a democracy. There must be hundreds and thousands of similar cases pending and some of these are bound to surface.



We now have a case of a DIG in Rajasthan who had allegedly raped a woman 13 years ago and is presently absconding. He is bound to be traced by the media in no time and again we will see a chain of events which will expose an insensitive system. Political parties can continue to score debating points over each. But it is for those in power today to use this opportunity to reform the system.



It is that time of the year again when awards are distributed. For me the award of the decade must go to the media, both electronic and print, for the rapid strides it has made, leading to greater public awareness. The days of a ‘loyal’ media are history. One can see the effects in everyday life. We are repulsed and angry whenever the media focuses on wrongdoings within the system and marvel at the spirit and courage of a few dedicated people who dare to stand up to the high and mighty.



But the system will fight back as strong vested interests exist. The test of the Government at the Centre and in Haryana will be to pursue the Ruchika case and punish all those who have contributed to the sufferings of the Girhotra family. We have reasons to be positive in our thinking as the Union Law Ministry is in the process of taking action against Rathore and Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has promised to bring to justice all those who are guilty.