Police oppose Haryana ex-minister Kanda's bail plea

Delhi Police Tuesday opposed the bail plea by former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda, accused of abetting the suicide of a former air hostess.

Police told Additional Sessions Judge Yashwant Kumar that the former minister could influence witnesses if he is released on bail.

Additional Public Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan said Kanda was an "influential" person, and requested the court to dismiss his bail application as he can influence witnesses whose statements are yet to be recorded.

The court was told that a trial court has dismissed Kanda's bail applications several times. Even the Delhi High Court did not grant him bail.

The prosecutor said there was no change in circumstances and hence Kanda should not be released on bail.

The court listed the matter for Feb 20 for further hearing.

On Tuesday, 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 has been 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.