Kanda, brother let-off in cheque-bounce case

Former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda, arrested in former airhostess Geetika Sharma suicide case, and his brother were on Monday acquitted by a Delhi court of a 14-year-old cheque-bounce case as they had settled the matter with the complainant by paying Rs 4.1 lakh.

"In view of the statement of the AR (authorised representative) of the complainant, the present case is disposed of as compromised and the accused (Kanda and his brother Gobind) are acquitted...," metropolitan magistrate Vikrant Vaid said.

During the hearing, the representative of complainant Indo Polycoats Pvt Ltd told the court that the dispute has been settled and the case be allowed to be withdrawn. The plea was allowed.

The counsel for the complainant, Dharmender Priani, said nothing remained as the matter had been amicably settled and the accused had already paid outstanding Rs 4.1 lakh to the firm.

The court was hearing a cheque-bounce case against Gobind and Gopal lodged on the complaint of Indo Polycoats Pvt Ltd, engaged in manufacturing of coated fabrics and vinyl flooring.

In August 1997, the complainant had got a request from Kandas' company - Kanda Polymers - for supply for coated fabrics to them.

Two cheques of Rs 2 lakh and 2.1 lakh were issued by accused Gobind, as authorised signatory of the firm, in the name of the complainant firm and a case under the Negotiable Instruments Act was registered against them as the cheques got dishonoured due to "insufficient" balance.

The Kanda brothers, who were declared proclaimed offenders last year after they did not appear before the court, got arrested only after the magisterial court on August 16 had issued non-bailable warrant against Gopal Kanda in connection with the suicide of 23-year-old airhostess Geetika Sharma.

Gobind got bail after being produced before the court on August 18. However, Gopal, who is in the police custody, has sought exemption from personal appearance and this was allowed by the court.