Vasundhara Oswal Shares Her Distressing Account of Illegal Detention in Uganda

Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, details her illegal detention in Uganda for alleged kidnapping and murder, which were proven false. Subjected to human rights violations and coercive police tactics during her arrest, she shares her harrowing experience in prison and the challenges she faced in securing her release after being wrongfully accused.
Vasundhara Oswal, the daughter of Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has shared her harrowing experience of being unlawfully detained in Uganda for alleged kidnapping and murder charges, which were later revealed to be unsubstantiated. The 26-year-old was incarcerated for two weeks while facing severe human rights violations; the alleged victim was discovered alive in Tanzania after the charges were filed.
Vasundhara recounted how Ugandan police conducted a search without a warrant, dismissively stating, “We are in Uganda, we can do anything, you’re not in Europe anymore.” She described being compelled to go to an Interpol office under false pretenses, where she was forced to provide a statement without legal representation. When she resisted, she alleged that a male officer physically assaulted her, stating, “a male officer picked me up and threw me inside their van.”
Ultimately, she was charged with serious crimes after making a statement under duress, with a substantial amount demanded for her release. Despite paying a police bond of USD 30,000 and surrendering her passport, she endured an additional 72 hours of detention before being informed of her formal charges involving kidnapping and attempted murder.
Vasundhara’s ordeal continued when she was transferred to Nakasongola prison, a facility notorious for housing serious offenders. Despite the revelation that the alleged victim was alive, she remained incarcerated for additional days. Despite hiring numerous lawyers, she faced systemic obstruction as they were allegedly bribed to prevent her release. Fortunately, she ultimately secured her bail on October 21, 2022, despite these numerous hurdles.
Vasundhara Oswal’s experience highlights significant concerns regarding human rights violations within the Ugandan justice system, particularly in cases of unlawful detention and abuse of power by law enforcement. Her story serves as a reminder of the potential challenges faced by individuals abroad, especially in vulnerable situations. Despite her struggles, she ultimately found a path to freedom through perseverance and legal advocacy.
Original Source: news.abplive.com