The man accused in the recent abduction of a nine-year-old Thessalon boy has been released on bail with conditions under the supervision of a surety.
Manoj Govindbalunikam of Brampton, Ont. was being held at the Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre since his initial bail hearing last Thursday. The OPP has charged the 35-year-old with abduction of person under 14 (take or entice).
It was during that Thursday hearing that Govindbalunikam was granted bail, on the condition he find a suitable surety — a person who agrees to ensure that he abides by his bail conditions pending trial.
Govindbalunikam has since found a surety. The court office in Sault Ste. Marie confirmed today he was released from custody on Monday.
His release conditions include that he pledge $10,000 toward his bail, along with $5,000 by his surety. He will be under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and be prohibited from attending public parks or swimming areas. He must also surrender his passport to Peel Regional Police within 24 hours of returning to his Brampton home.
Govindbalunikam is also banned from having prohibited weapons and cannot be in a position of trust with a person under 16 years of age. He must also remain away from the municipality of Thessalon except to drive through to attend trial, and cannot be in communication with the victim and his family.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 5 in Blind River.
None of the allegations against Govindalunikam have been tested in court and he is considered innocent unless proven guilty.