A Ballarat County Court jury has found 42-year-old Indian restaurant owner, Gunaseelan Manoharan, guilty of multiple sexual assault offences involving both a minor and an adult. Manoharan moved to Australia from India in 2014 and could be deported if the government cancels his visa.
Indian man found guilty of sexual assault in Australia
Manoharan, who ran Rooh Indian Contemporary Restaurant and Bar in Horsham, sexually assaulted a teenage staff member between March 2021 and January 2022. An adult employee also reported inappropriate behaviour. The restaurant, operating on a site managed by Horsham Rural City, closed in March 2023.
Manoharan returned to court on September 25 with his wife and two young children for a plea hearing. As he is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident, he could be deported if his visa is cancelled. Judge Kelly clarified that potential deportation will not influence his sentencing. According to The Daily Mail, during the hearing, Manoharan briefly left the dock to hug family members before being escorted back into custody.
Judge John Kelly will sentence Manoharan on November 12. He faces four counts of sexual assault of a child under 16 and one count involving an adult. A conviction for assaulting a child under 16 can carry up to ten years in prison.
The Department of Home Affairs said it cannot comment on this case directly but claimed that Australia has strong laws to remove non-citizens who commit crimes. “The Australian Government is committed to protecting the Australian community from the risk of harm posed by non-citizens who engage in criminal conduct or behaviour of concern,” the spokesperson said, according to the Courier. Those without a lawful right to stay are expected to leave or can be detained and removed under the Migration Act 1958.
Victims speak out
Two of Manoharan’s victims, including a teenager at the time, testified in the court. The teenage victim shared how the assault affected her life, saying she struggles with anxiety, fear, and trusting people at work. She spoke of “deep distrust towards men and coworkers” and difficulty feeling safe at work. “I felt defeated, small and very alone for a very long time,” she said. “The years of waiting have left me with anxiety, shame and fear.”
The adult victim said the assault made her feel “worthless” and affected her marriage. She added that she regularly experiences nightmares and described herself as “a shell of a person.”
Manoharan was taken into custody following the hearing. His wife and children were allowed to hug him goodbye.