Delhi 2023: According to Delhi Police, the Kanda verdict would be appealed in court. Remarkable
According to Delhi Police, the Kanda verdict would be appealed in court.
In August 2012, the suicide of 23-year-old air hostess Geetika Sharma, who worked at the now-defunct MDLR Airlines, owned by Haryana lawmaker and businessman Gopal Goyal Kanda, shocked the nation. Geetika’s suicide note pointed fingers at Kanda and his associate, Aruna Chaddha, accusing them of harassment. However, in a recent development, a Delhi court acquitted both Kanda and Chaddha of abetting Geetika’s suicide. Hours after the acquittal, the Delhi Police announced their decision to appeal against the verdict in the higher court, seeking to revoke the acquittal.
On August 5, 2012, Geetika Sharma was found dead at her house in Ashok Vihar, Delhi, where she lived with her family. The Bharat Nagar police station received information about her suicide and promptly launched an investigation. Geetika’s cousin, Gaurav, discovered her lifeless body. A suicide note left behind by Geetika pointed to Kanda, who was then a minister in the Haryana government, and Aruna Chaddha, a manager in his company, as the reasons behind her extreme step. The suicide note detailed allegations of harassment at the hands of her employer and Chaddha.
The involvement of a high-profile politician as the prime suspect attracted significant media attention to the case. Journalists flocked outside Geetika’s house, eager to uncover the truth behind her tragic death and speak with her grieving family. To ensure the family’s privacy and safety, the police deployed personnel outside their residence. The investigation began with the seizure of Geetika’s mobile phone and laptop for further examination. A case was officially registered, and the investigation into the matter commenced.
Aruna Chaddha was the first person to be arrested in connection with the case on August 8, 2012. Meanwhile, Gopal Kanda absconded and sought interim bail, which was denied by both the lower court and the high court. Police conducted a raid at Kanda’s house but did not find him there. However, on August 18, Kanda finally surrendered at the Ashok Vihar police station, leading to his subsequent arrest.
Six months after Geetika’s death, her mother, who was a retired accountant in the finance ministry, also died by suicide. In her suicide note, she accused Kanda of driving her to take her own life due to their continued harassment. The tragic sequence of events further heightened the public’s interest and concern over the case.
Despite the allegations and the suicide note left by Geetika, the court acquitted Gopal Kanda and Aruna Chaddha of abetting her suicide. The reasons for the acquittal were not immediately clear. The decision was met with widespread public shock and disappointment, as many believed that justice had not been served in the case.
The Delhi Police decided to appeal against the court’s acquittal of Kanda and Chaddha in a higher court. The police’s legal team would examine the court’s ruling to identify potential shortcomings in the investigation that may have led to the acquittal. Seeking guidance from legal experts, the police intended to file the appeal under Section 378(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the Delhi High Court. The appeal aims to overturn the acquittal and ensure that justice is upheld for Geetika Sharma.
Geetika Sharma’s tragic death and the subsequent investigation have brought to light the significance of thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigations in cases involving influential individuals. The case has underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal system and upholding the principles of justice for all, regardless of a person’s social or political status.
In such cases, the police and the legal system need to conduct impartial investigations, preserve evidence, and ensure the protection of witnesses. Any perceived lack of diligence or bias in the investigation can erode public trust in the justice system and hinder the quest for truth and justice.
Public awareness plays a vital role in seeking accountability and justice in high-profile cases. Vigilant public scrutiny and support can help ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. The media, as a responsible institution, has a crucial role to play in reporting facts accurately and objectively, avoiding sensationalism, and adhering to ethical standards.
The acquittal of Gopal Kanda and Aruna Chaddha in the Geetika Sharma suicide case has sparked widespread concern and calls for justice. The tragic loss of a young life and the subsequent events surrounding Geetika’s mother’s death have deeply affected the public. The Delhi Police’s decision to appeal against the acquittal demonstrates their commitment to seeking justice for Geetika and her family.
The legal system must ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation in cases involving high-profile individuals. Upholding the principles of justice and accountability is paramount to maintaining public trust in the legal process. As the appeal process unfolds, the nation’s eyes will remain focused on the pursuit of truth and justice for Geetika Sharma and her family.
