An Indian engineer in Canada, Akashkumar Narendrakumar Khant, who admitted to trying to buy sex from a 15-year-old girl, was given a conditional discharge by an Ontario judge, Canada’s National Post reported — sparking major outrage on social media with many people finding it difficult to understand any logic behind the verdict.The judge granted a conditional release to the Indian man to help him and his wife with their immigration status, as a conviction would lead delay in getting Canadian citizenship, and the judge said since they are not citizens, the man should not be punished according to the law that’s applicable to citizens.In a decision on June 25, Ontario Court Justice Paul Thomas O’Marra said, “…a conviction would lead to severe collateral consequences, such as jeopardizing his immigration status, delaying his citizenship, and preventing him from sponsoring his wife, which would likely result in their separation.” National Post reported that the conditional discharge includes three months of house arrest during which he can go shopping fr three hours every Sunday, attend religious services, medical appointments, and travel to and from work.
Who is Akashkumar Khant ? What is the case?
Khant immigrated to Canada from Gujarat, India, in 2019 to pursue a civil engineering degree. He got married in 2023 and his wife is in Canada on a work visa. In 2023, Khant contacted a sex trade advertisement that was created by the police to catch such offenders. During the conversation, the undercover police officer told Khant repeatedly that she was a 15-year-old girl. Khant was not discouraged but he hinted that if he got along with the 15-year-old well, then he would see her quite often. Then he purchased ‘girlfriend experience” for $140 which included both oral and vaginal intercourse. When Khant reached the designated room, he was immediately arrested. The judge also noted Khant’s above-average IQ, his first-time offender status, his modest and reserved nature and also his agreeing to take therapy. Canada’s Aecon Group issued a statement distancing itself from accused Akashkumar and said he has not worked for Aecon dating back to before this particular incident took place.
