Haryana ex-minister Kanda's bail to be heard Feb 25

A court here Thursday set Feb 25 for a clarification on the bail plea of former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda, accused of abetting the suicide of a former air hostess.

Additional Sessions Judge Yashwant Kumar fixed Feb 25 for the hearing.

The Delhi Police had Tuesday opposed the bail plea, saying the former minister could influence witnesses if he is released on bail.

Kanda's counsel Kapil Sankhla told the court that the former minister has been in judicial custody for the last 18 months and the charge of sexual exploitation against his client was dropped by the Delhi High Court.

The counsel said Kanda's earlier bail pleas were rejected because of the serious charge of sexual exploitation, and that Kanda was entitled for bail now.

Kanda and his aide Aruna Chadha are accused of abetting the Aug 4-5, 2012, suicide of a 23-year-old former air hostess who left behind a note accusing the duo of harassing her.

Chadha and Kanda have been charged with abetting suicide, criminal conspiracy, forgery and hacking computers and sending offensive or false messages.