Why Pankaj Oswal, an Indian-origin industrialist, is appealing to the UN to save his daughter Vasundhara Oswal in Uganda

Pankaj Oswal, an Indian-origin industrialist, has approached the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, requesting international intervention regarding the detention of his daughter, Vasundhara Oswal, in Uganda. Oswal claims that his 26-year-old daughter has been illegally detained without trial since October 1, citing "corporate and political manipulation."

Allegations of Fabricated Charges

Vasundhara, who serves as the executive director of PRO Industries, has reportedly been deprived of basic rights, including access to her family and legal counsel. According to Pankaj Oswal, the charges against her stem from accusations made by a former employee. This individual allegedly stole valuables from the Oswal family and took a loan of USD 200,000, with the Oswals as guarantors. When the family refused to repay the loan, they allegedly faced false charges to avoid financial liability.

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Oswal claimed that even after the former employee was apprehended in Tanzania, his daughter was falsely accused of crimes, including kidnapping and attempted murder.

Conditions of Detention

Oswal’s appeal to the UN detailed the harsh conditions under which his daughter is being held. He described that Vasundhara was interrogated under degrading circumstances, held for over 90 hours without access to legal representation or family, and transferred between different prisons to prevent contact with loved ones.

Although a court ordered her unconditional release, Oswal alleged that the Ugandan authorities added inadmissible charges to block her release on bail.

Family's Plea for Help

Vasundhara’s mother, Radhika Oswal, expressed her distress, describing the situation as "every mother’s nightmare." She appealed for her daughter's immediate release, pointing out the violations of Vasundhara's basic human rights.

Pankaj Oswal has also written an open letter to the President of Uganda, urging for his intervention. Additionally, he has enlisted the help of human rights lawyer Cherie Blair CBE, KC, whose office stated that the treatment of Vasundhara violates both domestic and international laws.

Business Impact

The Oswal family, who had planned to invest USD 150 million in a new alcohol production plant in Uganda, has paused their business plans pending the resolution of Vasundhara's situation.