Doha: Community leaders surprised over allegations on Mangalorean entrepreneur
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Feb 17: Following allegations at a recent press conference in Mangalore by the family of Conrad D'Souza, who met with an accident in Doha in November 2011, prominent community leaders and representatives of Karnataka-based organization in Doha visited Conrad D'Souza at his accomodation to find out if the allegations made by the family back home were valid.
Conrad's mother had blamed Space Trading's Gerald D'Mello for the delay in sending Conrad back to India, while the company had revealed the reasons behind the delay by releasing the necessary documents to the media.
Gerald being an entrepreneur of repute and community leader in Doha, leading organizations and its leaders decided to visit Conrad to find out the details.
On Tuesday February 12 evening, about 20 leaders and representatives visited Conrad's accomodation and expressed satisfaction over handling of the case, and surprise over the way his family back home made the allegations without knowing the facts.
The following community leaders, association presidents, representatives and community leaders joined the team:
S Mannangi, president of Karnataka Sangha Qatar
Ahmed Saeed Assadi, president, Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA)
Seetharam Shetty, president, Tulu Koota Qatar
Divakar Poojary, president, Qatar Billawas
Abdulla Mono, past president, South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA)
Sunil D'Silva, president, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC)
Past president, South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA)
Prakashchandra Ajila, vice-president, Bunts Qatar
M Iqbal Manna, social activist
Ashmath Ali, vice-president, Tulu Koota Qatar
Richard D'Souza, past president, MCC
Deepak Shetty, general secretary Karnataka Sangha Qatar
Prakash Noronha, general secretary, MCC
and media representatives
Leaders briefed Conrad on the purpose of the visit and the intention of the visiting organizations to help him in whatever way possible, should the company he is working for is not fulfiling its obligations.Each of the visitor enquired on the well being of Conrad.
Conrad was briefed on the procedures and laws of the land and his own responsibilities in resolving the issue. He was also informed that since he is refusing to sign any papers that require his acceptance and signature, no action could be taken by anyone including the authorities. Conrad was informed that the Government hospital, which is one of the best in the region has a norm to invite visiting specialist doctors to treat special cases like that of Conrad, and the time frame cannot be ascertained. People here consider it a privilege to get this kind of treatment as it comes free. However, if Conrad wants to leave for India, then he has to indemnify his employer and the authorities here of their obligation to treat him in Qatar, they said.
Conrad has been provided a spacious, air conditioned, furnished and well-kept accommodation.
Conrad acknowledged before the leaders that the company has taken good care of him all along by providing dedicated people to look after him. The company has provided a television for his passtime, half his salary every month, medicines, transportation etc. His roommates have even taken extra care to involve him in all activities and leisure.
It was revealed that during December 2012, he felt he did not want to stay in Doha anymore waiting for a specialist doctor from abroad for the operation. He emphasized that he wants insurance money and treatment in India arranged by Gerald. He was also firm on not signing any papers for any reasons as he has been asked not to do so by his family back home.
Moreover, the leaders made him understand that without him signing the required documents the law would not permit him to travel.
The company staff who were present were asked for clarifications on the complaints by Conrad, for which they informed that until the end of December 2012, Conrad was happy and thankful to the company for all the assistance he had been provided and the personal care he had been given. He had been also thankful to Gerald for bringing him to Qatar free of cost and providing him the job of his choice. They express wonder at the sudden shift in Conrad’s attitude.
The members of the delegation found that Conrad was not consistent in his answers. He has not conveyed the truth to the public and he may have been misguided, they said. However, they all wished him speedy recovery and a bright future.
"It is sad that people make allegations without knowing the truth. Conrad is not alone here, he has been well supported by the company and the representatives of various organisations are with him. They are aware of his health condition," said one of the leaders to daijiworld representative.
"What surprised us was the fact that his family back home is demanding Rs 30 lac as compensation to sign the papers, and insisting that only after arranging that money he should be sent back," the delegation said.
When daijiworld contacted the company, the manager said that for the past one month the company has been trying every resource to send him back. The company is in constant touch with the embassy, and as soon as the formalities are over, the boy will be sent back according to the law and advise of the embassy.