Indian Real Estate Agent Sentenced to 18 Months for Abducting Minor in Canada, Cites Cultural Differences

An Indian real estate agent in Canada told a court he abducted a 9-year-old boy, stating it was “acceptable in his culture." The man 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 had pleaded not guilty to abducting the boy.

During sentencing arguments, Govindbalunikam'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 suggested the incident should be viewed as a misunderstanding stemming from cultural differences. The lawyer stated that the practice of offering food and gifts to minors was normal in Govindbalunikam's home country and that giving food and toys was 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 situation was 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 claimed the allegations against him stemmed from racism, stating 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 and culture, and that it is not appropriate to offer gifts or food to minors. “He has been a resident of Canada for too long to suggest that this was an innocent error,” the judge stated.

During the sentencing, the judge noted that Govindbalunikam is educated, having been in Canada for over a decade and working in demanding fields. Govindbalunikam holds a degree in aerospace engineering from India and a master’s degree from the University of Toronto. The judge disagreed with the claim that it was 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 recognized the child but did not recognize Govindbalunikam 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.