Vasundhara Oswal’s Harrowing Experience of Wrongful Detention in Uganda
Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, suffered wrongful detention in Uganda over false kidnapping and murder accusations. Police violated her rights, coercing her into statements without legal counsel, and corrupt lawyers hindered her defense. Despite being charged and held in a notorious prison, she eventually secured bail after two weeks.
Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, recounts her nightmarish experience in Uganda, where she was wrongfully detained for alleged kidnapping and murder. The 26-year-old was arrested for two weeks, following false charges connected to Mukesh Menaria, a former employee, who was later discovered alive in Tanzania. Oswal highlights severe violations of her human rights during her detention, including police actions without proper warrants.
During her ordeal, local authorities forced Vasundhara to make statements without legal representation, even threatening her with prolonged detention. “When I didn’t want to do it the same day, a male officer picked me up and threw me inside their van,” she alleged, emphasizing the coercive nature of her treatment. Furthermore, she stated that she faced significant barriers in securing criminal legal assistance amid a hostile environment.
Upon her arrest, Vasundhara was compelled to pay a substantial USD 30,000 police bond while surrendering her passport but remained incarcerated for an additional 72 hours. Despite initially being unaware of specific charges, she eventually learned she was charged with kidnapping and attempted murder, offenses that were procedurally questionable.
Her time in Nakasongola prison, notorious for housing dangerous offenders, lasted two weeks, during which her legal representatives were allegedly compromised by competitive business interests. “We hired about 20 different lawyers at the time to handle my case, but each of those lawyers was paid off… to ensure that I did not get bail,” she recounted, detailing the systemic barriers to her release. However, she ultimately secured bail on October 21, reflecting a small victory amid prevailing injustices.
Vasundhara Oswal’s experience in Uganda highlights critical issues of human rights violations and systemic corruption within law enforcement. Her wrongful arrest and subsequent detention illustrate the dangers of unchecked police authority and the manipulation of the legal system. Despite facing extreme adversity, Oswal’s resilience is evident in her pursuit of justice and eventual release.
Original Source: news.abplive.com
