Gandhi relative charged with fraud
Ashish Ramgobin appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Monday charged with fraud. Picture: Mphathi Nxumalo Ashish Ramgobin appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Monday charged with fraud. Picture: Mphathi Nxumalo
Durban -
Mahatma Gandhi’s great-granddaughter has appeared in court on charges of defrauding a businessman of R6.2 million.
Ashish Ramgobin, 45, is alleged to have asked the complainant, identified only as SR Maharaj, for the money to clear containers through customs and pay VAT in support of a contract that she had with private health care group Netcare.
Durban Magistrate’s Court prosecutor, Sharon Moodley, on Monday said the money was paid to Ramgobin, but never returned.
However, Ramgobin’s lawyer, Devin Moodley, said his client would deny the actual prejudice amount of R6.2m, saying some of the money was used to pay for the containers brought into the country.
She asked Maharaj to pay the money into her bank account.
Moodley asked for a month’s adjournment, explaining that various statements were still outstanding and the Hawks were investigating another fraud matter Ramgobin was believed to be involved in.
Magistrate Vanitha Armu granted Ramgobin bail of R50 000 and ordered that she report to the investigating officer once a week.
Ramgobin was also ordered to surrender her passport and may not leave the province.
She is Ela Gandhi’s daughter. When proceedings were over, the mother of two sat down by herself on the stairs that led to the holding cells and cut a lonesome figure.
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