New Delhi, Dec 25 : Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chuatala on Friday defended himself in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case, putting the blame on former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal. He said the benefits given to the accused-- former Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) SPS Rathore--took place under the Bansi Lal regime.

Chautala said Rathore was promoted as DGP of the state in 1999 during Bansi Lal''s government on the recommendation of bureaucrats.

"We removed Rathore from the post in 2000, and my government charge sheeted him," claimed Chautala.

Chautala said the departmental inquiry started after the then DGP RR Singh submitted his report, and it was he, who recommended a departmental probe into the matter.

Rathore was charged with allegedly molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra, a promising young tennis star in 1990. He was then an Inspector General of Police and the head of the Haryana Lawn Tennis Federation.

Teenager Ruchika killed herself three years after the incident by drinking poison.

CBI''s Special Magistrate J S Sidhu sentenced 67-year-old Rathore to six months rigorous imprisonment (RI) during an in-camera proceeding and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000, but Rathore got bail immediately. (ANI)