Jan 13, 2010, Cathnews India: Sister Sebastina, the principal of Chandigarh's Sacred Heart School, where Ruchika Girhotra studied, has returned her state award.

Sister Sebastina returned the honor after the Chandigarh administration directed that she be stripped of her award for her role in the expulsion of Ruchika from school following her molestation by former Haryana DGP S.P.S. Rathore, 19 years ago. She was the school principal in 1990, when Ruchika was expelled.

Chanchal Singh, district education officer, Chandigarh, told reporters that a school representative returned the prize money, commendation certificate and medal to “the concerned authority” on Jan. 11 morning.

The leading girls' school of Chandigarh, which is governed by Simla-Chandigarh diocese, was accused of arbitrarily expelling Ruchika in September 1990, one month after she was allegedly molested by Rathore.

Sub-divisional magistrate Prerna Puri had submitted the inquiry report to the concerned officials Jan. 7. The probe had found the school's decision to expel Ruchika was taken in an arbitrary, selective and biased manner.

The probe also said there were indications that the school expelled Ruchika at the behest of her molester, a charge the school authorities have vehemently denied.

Father Thomas Anchanikal, vicar-general and spokesperson for the diocese, told reporters Jan. 11 that the magisterial probe ordered by the administration was “very biased” ignored proofs the school submitted.

“Their conclusion is totally baseless and they did not possess even a single proof against the school authorities,” said the priest, who added, “However, we do not work for awards and recognitions and Sister Sebastina would continue to impart her services to the institution as usual.”

The award was conferred in 1985 for Sister Sebastina's meritorious contribution to education in Chandigarh.