HC refuses to cancel Kanda's bail in air hostess case

The Delhi High Court Monday refused to cancel the bail granted to former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda, accused of abetting the suicide of a former air hostess.

Justice V.P. Vaish dismissed pleas filed by police and the brother of the former air hostess seeking cancellation of the bail.

They had contended that Kanda is an influential person and while on bail, he would try to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses.

Besides, they said the trial court has not taken into consideration all the aspects of the case while granting Kanda bail.

Kanda's lawyer, however, told the court that petitions filed by police and the air hostess's brother were frivolous and were a personal attack on his liberty following grant of bail to him 18 months after being accused of abetting her suicide.

The high court, earlier, dropped the charge of sexual exploitation against Kanda.

A trial court March 4 granted Kanda the bail, observing that he was in judicial custody since August 2012.

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

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

The Delhi High Court Feb 10 had granted regular bail to Chadha.