Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, detailed her wrongful detention in Uganda, where she faced severe human rights violations. Charged with kidnapping and murder without evidence, her ordeal lasted from October 1 to October 21, 2024, before she was released on bail. She reported being mistreated by authorities, denied legal representation, and threatened to sign statements under duress. Her case has raised significant concerns about human rights in Uganda.
Vasundhara Oswal, a 26-year-old daughter of Indian-origin billionaire Pankaj Oswal, recently detailed her harrowing experience in a Ugandan jail. She was wrongfully charged with the kidnapping and murder of Mukesh Menaria, a former employee who was later discovered to be alive in Tanzania. Oswal was arrested on October 1, 2024, and released on bail weeks later, on October 21, 2024.
In an interview with PTI, Oswal described severe violations of her human rights during her time in detention, claiming she was denied shower access, food, and water. Moreover, she alleged that her parents had to bribe police officers to secure basic necessities. “They didn’t let me take a shower and denied me food and water,” Oswal stated.
Oswal claimed she faced punitive treatment throughout her detention. Authorities allegedly denied her access to a washroom and conducted searches without providing a warrant, dismissing her requests with a statement about Uganda’s jurisdiction. “They said, ‘We are in Uganda, we can do anything, you’re not in Europe anymore,'” she recounted.
Additionally, Oswal alleged that she was coerced into giving a statement without the presence of a criminal lawyer, resulting in her detention without proper legal representation. Despite presenting a court order for release, she experienced further unlawful detainment and was subjected to threats from the authorities.
Oswal recounted being held in Nakasongola prison, initially meant for minor offenders and later moved to a facility with serious criminals. “I spent the next two weeks in Nakasongola prison… they continued to hold me on those charges, even after they discovered that the man (Menaria) was alive,” she explained.
Despite the charges being dismissed on December 19, 2024, Oswal alleged ongoing pressure for extortion from Ugandan authorities, prompting her to seek legal advice. She emphasized the Ugandan government’s responsibility to rectify this situation for investors in the country. “Now, it is up to the Ugandan government to correct its mistakes regarding an investor who has spent the past three years building a business in their country,” she stated.
Following her release, Pankaj Oswal appealed to the Ugandan President for intervention while securing assistance from renowned human rights attorney, Cherie Blair CBE, KC, to address the violations she endured. The treatment of Vasundhara has raised serious human rights concerns that require immediate action to ensure accountability and justice.
Vasundhara Oswal’s distressing experience in Uganda highlights significant issues regarding human rights and legal processes in the jurisdiction. Her wrongful detention and the treatment she received illustrate a misuse of power by Ugandan authorities. Following her release, there are ongoing calls for accountability and rectification, emphasizing the need for legal reform to protect individuals involved in international business ventures. The involvement of high-profile legal assistance indicates the seriousness of her case and the international attention it has garnered.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
