Car Purchase - Anba Manikham: "The Decision was Endorsed by the Board"
On Wednesday, April 8, Anba Manikham, a former Senior Manager of Ground Services at Air Mauritius, was arrested by the Financial Crimes Commission for "using office for gratification." He denies the allegations against him, explaining that the sale of a 2011 Audi Q5 to his partner was approved by the board of directors. The commission accuses him of favoring his partner, Kiran Balgobin, who purchased the German SUV for Rs 250,000. This vehicle was used by Jet Prime to transport VIP passengers from the tarmac to the Jet Prime Lounge upon their arrival.
Anba Manikham, who has engaged lawyer Sailesh Seebaruth, rejects the accusations. The FCC claims that he endorsed the sale of an Audi Q5 belonging to Jet Prime to Kiran Balgobin and was involved in deciding the sale price of the car. However, he refutes this, stating that the Jet Prime board was involved in the process.
Kiran Balgobin, his partner, was also arrested on the same day but was released on bail. On Thursday, both suspects appeared before the court. Anba Manikham attributes the vehicle's sale decision to the Jet Prime board. The FCC has a statement from a Chief Financial Officer of Jet Prime in this investigation, claiming that orders from Anba Manikham regarding the sale were communicated, along with paperwork to finalize the sale.
The vehicle was reportedly placed in a car showroom for about three months following the sale decision, during which no offers were received. Eventually, Kiran Balgobin decided to buy the vehicle at the set price of Rs 250,000. However, the FCC estimates the vehicle's value at Rs 700,000. According to the FCC, Anba Manikham favored the sale of this Audi Q5 to Kiran Balgobin, who later resold the car for a profit of Rs 450,000. The FCC suggests that this profit was illicit and constituted a loss for Jet Prime.
Anba Manikham explained to the FCC that his partner expressed disappointment regarding the vehicle’s quality and condition, leading her to resell the car to the showroom where she bought it, at the same price. Kiran Balgobin informed the FCC that she incurred losses due to significant expenses on repairs and maintenance of the vehicle, estimating her costs at Rs 40,000 for radiator work among other repairs.
Anba Manikham has also been accused of harassment by Air Mauritius employees, as detailed in anonymous denunciation letters, portraying him as a figure who instilled fear among the staff. These allegations resulted in his immediate suspension in April 2024.
