New Delhi: Former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda and his aide Aruna Chadha have been acquitted by a Delhi court in the case of abetment of suicide of former air hostess Geetika Sharma. The court cited the prosecution’s failure to establish the charges beyond a reasonable doubt as the reason for the acquittal.
Special Judge Vikas Dhull pronounced the judgement on Tuesday, clearing both Gopal Goyal Kanda and Aruna Chadha of all allegations. Geetika Sharma had left a suicide note, accusing Kanda and Chadha of being responsible for her decision to end her life, citing alleged harassment by them. Subsequently, Kanda was compelled to resign from his position as Minister of State for Home in Haryana following the registration of the case.
The case initially involved charges of rape and abetment to suicide against Kanda in relation to the young air hostess. However, the charge of unnatural sex was added later. In May 2013, Kanda and Chadha faced trial, challenging the inclusion of rape and unnatural sex charges. The Delhi High Court, on July 25, 2013, set aside these charges. Subsequently, on December 6, 2013, the trial court decided to proceed with the trial solely on the charge of abetment to suicide.
Following his acquittal, Gopal Goyal Kanda addressed the media and stated, “The entire thing was made up. The court order is in front of you, read it, and you will understand.”
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