The hearing of a high-profile fraud case involving businessman Mukesh Shukla, who is accused of obtaining UGX 221 million from Alvi Auto Village Ltd by false pretenses, has been postponed to June 24, 2024. Shukla, along with Shumuk Investments Limited's manager Judith Ayebare and Shumuk Group of Companies' accountant Dharamdip Kadikar, faces charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and conspiracy to defraud, as per Sections 304, 305, and 309 of the Penal Code Act??.
The allegations are from a period between November 2020 and November 2021, during which Shukla is accused of deceiving Shahid Mahmood Alvi, the managing director of N.S Japan Auto Ltd, into believing he was leasing two plots of land in Banda and Nakawa Industrial Areas in Kampala. The total sum involved includes USD 27,950 (approximately UGX 105 million) and over UGX 116 million?.
Shukla, who is also the CEO of Shumuk Aluminum Industries and former contestant for Nakawa West Parliament seat, has denied the charges. He was arrested from his office on 15th May 2024 and appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza. The court decided to remand Shukla to Luzira Prison, with the state requesting more time to review the case file?.
Prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Mariam Kluthum, emphasized the need for additional time to peruse the extensive documentation related to the case. The defense, represented by lawyer Patrick Bwango, argued for bail, citing Shukla's status as a community leader, a family man, and a former parliamentary aspirant. Bwango also mentioned Shukla’s willingness to reconcile with the complainants by depositing UGX 20 million as a gesture of good faith??.
However, the prosecution maintained that any reconciliation attempts should be formalized through court mediation and proper documentation. The hearing of the bail application has been scheduled for June 24, 2024??.
This case is the latest in a series of legal battles for Shukla, whose business dealings have often landed him in court. In addition to the current fraud charges, Shukla has been embroiled in property disputes and debt issues involving high-profile entities like the Katatumba family and the Bank of Baroda. These disputes have frequently placed Shukla and his companies in the spotlight, contributing to a controversial public image??.
Shukla's businesses, particularly the Shumuk Group, have been central to several debatable legal matters over the years. The group has faced scrutiny over the ownership and development of prime real estate in Kampala. Recently, a piece of land in the Nakawa Industrial Area, reportedly taken over by Shukla's company in 1987, has become a focal point of litigation. The ongoing construction activities on this land emphasize the persistent nature of Shukla's legal and business challenges?.
Speaking to journalists outside the court, the complainant, Shahid Mahmood Alvi, expressed frustration over the protracted nature of the dispute. He revealed that attempts to resolve the matter through community and familial mediation had failed, prompting his decision to seek legal recourse. Alvi's statements highlight the significant impact the alleged fraud has had on his business operations and underline the broader implications for commercial trust and integrity in the region? .
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming court sessions to see if Shukla's legal team can negotiate a settlement or if the case will proceed to a full trial. The outcome will likely have great repercussions for all parties involved and could set a precedent for similar cases in Uganda's judicial system??.
