Shalaka Kachare, Pune
The much-debated Geetika Sharma suicide case has reached its verdict, attracting widespread attention across the country. The main accused in this case was Haryana MLA Gopal Kanda, whose alleged involvement led to his resignation from the ministerial position. Recently, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi delivered its judgment, acquitting him of all charges. The case gained immense popularity following the unfortunate demise of Geetika Sharma in 2012, sparking a nationwide discussion on Gopal Kanda’s actions.
The incident dates back to August 5, 2012, when 23-year-old air hostess Geetika Sharma was found dead in her room in Ashok Vihar, Delhi. In her suicide note, she accused Gopal Goyal Kanda, former minister of state for home in Haryana’s Congress government, of harassment. Geetika had also accused his aid Aruna Chadha in this case. Kanda was an influential politician and businessman who was a high-ranking minister in the Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda and had to resign from his post following the allegations.
The connection between Geetika and Kanda?
Geetika Sharma was a former air hostess of Gopal Kanda’s MLD R Airlines. Later, he was promoted to director of the company. Shortly after Geetika’s suicide, her mother also allegedly committed suicide. In this case, too, the family members accused Kanda. The family members alleged that Geetika had to take this step due to the oppression of Gopal Kanda. Kada is facing charges in the case under various sections of the IPC, including 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (destroying evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 466 (forgery).
Earlier, charges of rape (376) and 377 (unnatural sex) were also framed in the trial court against Gopal Kanda, but the Delhi High Court quashed them. In the court’s words, the prosecution “failed to prove the charges beyond all reasonable doubts.”
In order to appear in court if the police filed an appeal against his acquittal, the court ordered Kanda and Chadha to provide a personal bond of one lakh rupees. After his release from prison, Kanda told the reporters, The whole thing was made up. You can grasp it by reading the court order that is in front of you.’