Vikas Barala’s plea for call records partially allowed

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 6

In the Varnika Kundu stalking case, a local court has partially allowed the defence application for obtaining call records of the victim and her father.

Accused Vikas Barala’s counsel had asked for call records of Varnika and her father Virendra Kundu, who is a senior IAS officer in Haryana, from August 1 to 5. However, the court allowed to provide call records of August 4 and 5. 

In the application, it was stated that many phone calls were made by the Kundus to pressure the police. The defence also wanted to confirm Varnika’s location on the day to know whether she was at the spots as stated in the FIR.

It was also argued that the victim was in touch with a lawyer and that details of conversation between her and the advocate may also be provided. Hence, the call records of Varnika and her father may bring out important facets of the case.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 19 when Varnika’s cross-examination is expected to take place. The revision petition on the charges will also be taken up on the same day in a separate court. 

On the night intervening August 4 and 5, Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala and his friend Ashish, had allegedly followed Varnika and tried to abduct her. The girl called the Chandigarh police and the boys were nabbed. At the time of incident, they were said to be under the influence of liquor. Charges of stalking and attempt to abduct have already been framed against the duo.