Rakesh Gurbani (Roky)
In a distressing revelation, the leadership of Shona Enterprises, located at No. 31, Ecowas Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone, is facing serious allegations of modern-day slavery and the mistreatment of Indian employees.
The company’s Directors, Rakesh Gurbani (commonly known as Roky), Vishal Dhanwani, and Shona Carman, have come under scrutiny, as reports surface detailing the harrowing experiences of workers under their management. One particularly alarming incident involved an employee, who, overwhelmed by unbearable working conditions, attempted to escape to India. However, his desperate flight was thwarted when he was apprehended in Kambia.
This incident underscores the grim reality many employees face at the hands of Rakesh Gurbani, whose management practices have been described as oppressive. Sources indicate that Gurbani and his associate Dhanwani have imposed draconian restrictions on their employees. Upon arrival in Sierra Leone, workers had their passports confiscated, a move that effectively stripped them of their fundamental rights and left them feeling trapped in a foreign land.
Reports suggest that employees have been denied the freedom to leave the premises, isolating them from the local community and exacerbating their sense of entrapment.
As investigations into these allegations progress, it has emerged that Gurbani may be leveraging his political connections to maintain control over his workforce. Following the arrest of the fleeing employee, Gurbani allegedly ordered that he be detained until he repaid the costs of his airline ticket and three months’ worth of salary. Furthermore, it has been reported that Gurbani coerced the employee into signing a document that would prevent him from disclosing the abuses he suffered while employed at Shona Enterprises.
These shocking revelations have raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of foreign workers in Sierra Leone, as well as the potential complicity of local authorities in enabling such abuses. Human rights activists are now calling for a comprehensive investigation into these allegations, emphasising the urgent need for measures to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.
As this story continues to unfold, the plight of employees at Shona Building Material Stores serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issues of labour exploitation and modern-day slavery that continue to plague various regions around the globe. The international community watches closely, hoping for justice and protection for those who are most at risk.
More details next edition.
