Vasundhara Oswal Details Illegal Detention and Arrest in Uganda

Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, recounted her unlawful detention and arrest in Uganda for alleged kidnapping and murder of her father’s employee, Mukesh Menaria. Despite Menaria being found alive in Tanzania, she endured mistreatment and lengthy detention amid police violations of her rights, ultimately securing bail after weeks in custody.

Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, detailed her experience of unlawful detention and arrest in Uganda, linked to the case of her father’s employee, Mukesh Menaria. She claims to have been detained for five days and arrested for two weeks on false charges of kidnapping and murder, despite Menaria being found alive in Tanzania later.

Vasundhara recounted significant violations of her human rights during the process, highlighting that Ugandan police conducted a raid without a search warrant. She noted their dismissive response to her request for a warrant: “We’re in Uganda. We can do anything. You’re not in Europe anymore.”

She described an incident where a police officer physically forced her into a van under threatening conditions, asserting, “No, you have to come today only. It’s not going to happen tomorrow anytime otherwise.” Despite her unwillingness to cooperate, she was compelled to make a statement without proper legal representation, as authorities indicated her indefinite detention if she refused.

Following her statement, Vasundhara was placed in a cell and coerced into paying $30,000 for a supposed police bond but did not receive one, leading to further detention. She faced additional unlawful detainment despite presenting a court release order the following day.

Eventually, she was charged with serious offenses in a lower court, which she argued was improper jurisdiction for such charges. After two days in a prison with lesser offenders, she was relocated to a facility housing dangerous criminals but remained imprisoned despite evidence of Menaria’s survival.

Vasundhara alleged interference by her business rivals, claiming they manipulated her legal representation, which complicated her defense. Ultimately, she secured bail on October 21, after a harrowing ordeal lasting several weeks.

Vasundhara Oswal’s experience in Uganda reveals serious issues regarding law enforcement practices and human rights violations. Her wrongful detention, police misconduct, and the improper handling of legal processes highlight the challenges faced by individuals within foreign legal systems. Although she obtained bail after extensive struggles, the case underscores the potential dangers of being subject to arbitrary legal actions in unfamiliar jurisdictions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com