By Haja Adama Kamara.
Indian businessman, Pankaj Panchal has made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on one count charge of Fraudulent Conversion contrary to Section 20 (1) (v) (b) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on a date between 1st October and 31st March 2021 at Pamlap Lorry Park in Kambia, Northern Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone the accused fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit certain property that is to say quantity of Alcohol products valued three hundred and thirty nine million nine hundred and seventy five thousand one hundred and forty Leones (Le339,975,140,00) entrusted to him by Waveen Kumar Jethani for the purpose of sale, property of the said Waveen Kumar Jethani.
The charge was read and explained to the accused person but no plea was taken. The accused person was unrepresented.
Magistrate Kekura refused the accused bail and sent him to the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to the 7th March 2022.
Detective Superintendent of Police, Isatu Gbassy Fofana is prosecuting.
