A sessions court here on Friday paved the way for trial of former Haryana Minister Gopal Goyal Kanda in the sensational suicide of a former air-hostess, who was previously his employee, after it framed charges of rape, committing unnatural offences, and abetting suicide against him.
District and Sessions Judge S. K. Sarvaria said charges of rape and unnatural sex were prima facie made out against Kanda and abetment of these offences against his aide Aruna Chadha on the basis of evidence available on court record even though the police had not booked them under these provisions in its charge sheet. The Indian Penal Code prohibits the naming of rape victims.
The 23-year-old former air-hostess was found dead in her house on August 5 last.
The court also framed charges of abetting suicide against Aruna Chadha. They have also been charged with forgery for cheating and harming the reputation of the victim.
After framing charges, Mr. Sarvaria sent the matter for trial before the fast-track court dealing with sexual offence cases.
The court has fixed the matter for May 27 for recording of prosecution evidence.
