37-year-old Manoj Govindbalunikam was sentenced to 18 months after being found guilty of abducting a minor in Canada
An Indian real estate agent in Canada told a court he abducted a 9-year-old boy because it was “acceptable in his culture.” He is now struggling to avoid deportation following his conviction.37-year-old Manoj Govindbalunikam was sentenced to 18 months in prison in April after being found guilty of abducting a minor in Ontario in August 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to abducting the boy. Manoj gave the kid ice cream and toys. Police also found photos of Manoj with the boy inside his yellow Chevrolet Camaro.During sentencing arguments, Manoj’s lawyer asked the court to impose a conditional discharge, which would have helped him avoid deportation from Canada.“A term of imprisonment of six months or more would render Mr. Govindbalunikam inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and he could face deportation,” the attorney said, reports CTV.The defence also said the incident should be seen as a misunderstanding coming from cultural differences. Manoj’s lawyer also said that the practice of offering food and gifts was normal where he came from.The lawyer said giving food and toys was just a “kind” gesture by Manoj: “The subject also admitted offering the victim a toy and food as a kind gesture with no intention or desire to do something wrong or harmful.”He further claimed that the whole situation is misinterpreted: “He (Manoj) claims that conversing with any individual and offering transportation would be considered acceptable in his culture. As such, he claims that this offense is misinterpreted on how authorities have perceived his actions.”Govindbalunikam said the allegations against him stem from racism. He claimed he “never experienced racial discrimination until his arrest.”However, the Canadian court rejected the explanation. Justice Michael Varpio said Govindbalunikam had lived in Canada long enough to understand local norms, local culture, and that it is not appropriate to offer gifts, food to minors.“He has been a resident of Canada for too long to suggest that this was an innocent error,” the judge said.During the sentencing, the judge added that Manoj is educated: “Mr Govindbalunikam has been here for over a decade and has worked in two demanding fields.”Govindbalunikam has a degree in aerospace engineering from India and a master’s degree from the University of Toronto.The judge did not agree to the claim that it was just a mere ‘misunderstanding’: “I do not accept that this abduction was as a result of a ‘cultural misunderstanding’ whereby he mistakenly believed that it was acceptable to take a child. He has been a resident of Canada for too long to suggest that this was an innocent error.”According to the court, Govindbalunikam allegedly lured the boy using a fidget spinner before giving him his business card and persuading him into his car. He then told the child to leave his bicycle and fishing gear at a curling club, claiming there was no space in the vehicle.The boy was later taken to a tavern, where he was bought ice cream. Witnesses at the tavern recognised the child, but they did not recognize Manoj and called the police. The boy was later driven close to his home but the vehicle did not stop. The boy’s father eventually spotted his son in the front seat of the car and confronted Govindbalunikam, who then gave him his business card.Police arrested him the following day. A search of his phone revealed photographs of the child eating ice cream in the car and another image of the kid taken by a river.Govindbalunikam now faces deportation proceedings as a result of his conviction.
