By Audrey John
Indian national Pankaj Panchal a business man made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1 in Freetown on one count charge to wit 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 to the 31st March 2021 at Pamlap Lorry park Kambia the Northern Province of the Republic of Sierra Leone 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 (339, 975, 140, 00) entrusted to him by Waveen Kumar Jethani for the purpose of sales.
The charges were read and explained to the accused person and no plea was taken, while the accused person was unrepresented by a legal guarantor.
However, Magistrate Kekura refused bail and sent the accused person to the male correctional center in Freetown.
The matter has been adjourned to the 7th March 2022. Detective Superintendent of Police Isatu Gbassy Fofanah is prosecuting.