Court denies bail to Kanda

A Delhi court Monday dismissed the bail plea of former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda, accused of abetting the suicide of a former air-hostess.

Additional Sessions Judge M.C. Gupta declined bail to Kanda saying that the stage of the trial is at a threshold and considering his power and status, his mere presence is likely to intimidate witnesses.

The judge said having regard to the "serious and grave nature of allegations against the accused and also that the recording of the prosecution evidence is on the threshold and material and public witness, inclusive of witnesses who are/were employees of accused, are yet to be examined...."

"Also keeping in view the power, position and status of accused, his mere presence at large, in circumstances of the case, is likely to intimidate and tamper with witnesses regarding which apprehension has also been expressed on behalf of the state."

Kanda, who represents Sirsa in the Haryana assembly, had already been given interim bail for a month to attend the ongoing legislative session.

His co-accused and employee, Aruna Chaddha, is also out on interim bail till Nov 15.

Kanda and Chaddha are accused of abetting the suicide of a 23-year-old air hostess in his now-defunct airlines. The two have denied the allegations.

The suicide note of the victim, who ended her life on the night of Aug 4-5, 2012 at her house in Delhi, accused Kanda and Chaddha of harassing her.

Kanda has been charged with rape, abetment to rape and suicide, criminal conspiracy and forgery and under the IT Act for hacking computers and sending offensive or false messages.

Kanda surrendered before Delhi Police Aug 18, 2012 while Chaddha was arrested Aug 8 last year.