Delhi Police seek speedy court proceedings in Geetika case

Delhi Police on Thursday sought expeditious court proceedings in the Geetika Sharma suicide case, involving Haryana minister Gopal Kanda, but failed to ensure the presence of its investigating officer in the court for the purpose.

In an application to additional chief metropolitan magistrate D K Jangala, police said the proceedings in the matter should be expedited as it has been over three months since the case was registered.

At this, the judge sought to know the whereabouts of special public prosecutor, who is authorised to argue in the matter, and the investigating officer of the case.
Police officials present in the court, however, failed to furnish any reason for their absence.

“Application has been moved on behalf of state under section 309 CrPC (for expeditious proceedings). However, the special public prosecutor for state and the IO are absent.

Presence of both are necessary for expeditious disposal of the present matter. Both are absent without any reasonable ground. Issue notice to director, prosecution to ensure presence of SPP and the IO on the next date of hearing,” the court said. It also directed that a copy of the order be sent to joint commissioner of police (north) “with direction to ensure presence of IO on the next date of hearing.”

Meanwhile, Kanda was not produced before the court from jail and a report was received from the jail superintendent, jail no one, Tihar Jail. The report said the senior medical officer of the jail has observed the accused has acute gastroenteritis and is not fit to move around.

Chadha moves HC for bail

Gopal Kanda’s employee Aruna Chadha, arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of air hostess Geetika Sharma, on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court for bail.

Chadha’s plea is likely to come up for hearing before Justice Pratibha Rani on Friday. Chadha, who is accused along with Kanda of abetting Geetika’s suicide, moved the High Court against the sessions court October 16 order, which had denied her bail earlier.

Chadha had sought bail on the ground that the police has already filed its charge sheet in the case and the probe against her is complete. She had also sought bail saying that she is a single parent and has a minor daughter and aged parents to look after.