Indian-Origin Man Faces Deportation After Child Abduction Sentence in Canada

An Indian-origin man, Manoj Govindbalunikam, is sentenced to 18 months in prison in Canada for child abduction. Upon completion, he could face deportation. He pleaded guilty, but his lawyer argued for a conditional discharge to avoid deportation. The court, however, emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence.

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in Canada for abducting a child, with potential deportation looming after his term, reports indicate.

Manoj Govindbalunikam, 37, received his sentence earlier this month for the 2023 abduction in Thessalon, as ruled by Justice Michael Varpio at the Sault Courthouse on April 21.

Despite his lawyer's plea for a conditional discharge to prevent deportation to India, the court stressed that such a sentence is needed to denounce and deter Govindbalunikam's actions, citing his understanding of Canadian norms.