By Amin Kef Sesay
In journalism, the principle of objectivity is paramount, particularly when reporting on allegations against individuals, institutions or businesses. Ensuring that all sides of a story are presented is not just a matter of fairness it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the reporting process and fostering public trust in the media.
The recent allegations made against an Indian national, Suresh Vatnani, the Proprietor of S.V. Electricals situated on 73 B, Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown by OpIndia , a news outlet in India, serve as a prime example of why balanced reportage is essential.
According to the claims, Arpit Kumar Pandey, who was residing in India was employed through an agent in 2020 to work for Suresh Vatnani, the Proprietor of S.V. Electricals in Sierra Leone as Shop Manager. It was further alleged that after an initial period where Pandey was paid regularly, his salary was withheld with the promise of a lump sum payment, which has yet to be delivered.
Furthermore, Arpit Kumar Pandey claims he has been mistreated and forced to work under harsh conditions, akin to bonded labor, with his parents’ efforts to have him returned to India allegedly thwarted by Suresh Vatnani.
However, when this news medium undertook a comprehensive investigation into the matter, significant details emerged that had not been previously reported. The Calabash Newspaper reached out to Suresh Vatnani for his perspective welcoming the investigative move, expressing confidence that it would reveal the truth. He confirmed that Arpit Kumar Pandey has been employed by him since 2020 and stated that their working relationship had been conducted in accordance with the agreed-upon terms.
He emphasized that when a proper accounting or stock taking was conducted it was realized that at the branch shop in Lumley in the West End of Freetown, where he was serving as the Shop Manager, Arpit Kumar Pandey, misappropriated electrical materials worth Twenty Two Thousand Dollars ($22,000).
After raising suspicion and an internal investigation was mounted he was transferred to the company’s other branch at Hastings in the far East End of Freetown where was not entering details of sales in the accounting system that was set up by SV Electricals to ensure transparency, to the tune of $2,500 with all the total amount of money fraudulently obtained amounting to $24,500.
Suresh Vatnani pointed out that it was understood that the accused has remitted the money to India after which he had been expressing a desire to return home.
Again when this medium went a step forward in its investigation by contacting the Indian High Commission’s Charge d’Affaires, Neeraj Kumar Saini, he explained that the Minister of State for External Affairs in India, Kirti Vardhan Singh, wrote a letter to him to repatriate Arpit Kumar Pandey to India adding that when they summoned Arpit Kumar Pandey to the High Commission he confessed his involvement and made an undertaking on the 19th June, 2024 disclosing that he fraudulently converted the money for the electrical materials further promising to refund it.
Charge d’Affaires, Neeraj Kumar Saini also stated that he advised against legal action and suggested seeking an amicable resolution maintaining that Vatnani has since expressed his willingness to allow Arpit Kumar Pandey to return to India.
This case underscores the critical need for balanced reporting. By diligently seeking out and presenting all sides of the story, journalists not only uphold ethical standards but also contribute to a more transparent and just society.
It is hoped that the inclusion of Suresh Vatnani’s account offers a more insightful understanding of the situation, allowing the public to form opinions based on a comprehensive view of the facts. It is through such balanced reporting that journalism can maintain its credibility and continue to be respected as a vital pillar of democracy.
