Vasundhara Oswal Shares Her Vicious Experience of Detention in Uganda

Vasundhara Oswal, the daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, was unlawfully detained in Uganda for alleged kidnapping and murder, which was proven false. She was subjected to human rights violations, including physical coercion and deprivation of legal representation. Despite facing numerous legal obstacles and corrupt practices aimed at preventing her release, Oswal managed to secure bail after a harrowing two weeks in prison.

Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of billionaire Pankaj Oswal, recently shared her harrowing experience of being unlawfully detained in Uganda for alleged kidnapping and murder—a charge that proved unfounded, as the purported victim was discovered alive. Oswal, 26, was held for five days and formally arrested for two weeks under dire circumstances and significant human rights violations during her confinement.

Oswal recounted that Ugandan authorities detained her without a search warrant, disregarding her requests for proper legal protocols. She stated, “The police didn’t have a search warrant. When I asked them to present a search warrant, they said that we are in Uganda, we can do anything, you’re not in Europe anymore and they basically proceeded to raid.” Officers subsequently coerced her into an Interpol office to provide a statement without legal counsel, escalating the situation further.

She alleged a male officer physically forced her into a police van when she refused to comply immediately, emphasizing the lack of access to legal representation. “We did not have time to get a criminal lawyer. They informed me that if I did not make a statement, I would be held for a long period of time,” she explained, revealing the desperation she faced in that moment.

After being wrongfully charged with kidnapping and attempted murder, Oswal was subjected to a bail demand of USD 30,000 alongside the confiscation of her passport. Despite her payment, she remained detained for 72 additional hours, during which she was finally informed of the specific charges brought against her. “They proceeded to take me to a lower level magistrate court where they charged me with kidnap with attempt to murder which is not even allowed,” she stated.

For two weeks, Oswal was incarcerated at Nakasongola prison, known for housing serious offenders. Even after it became known that the alleged victim was alive, she remained in custody. In her struggle to secure legal assistance, she faced additional hurdles as lawyers reportedly conspired against her. “I think we hired about 20 different lawyers at the time to handle my case, but each of those lawyers was paid off by these business competitors… to ensure that I did not get bail,” she remarked, illuminating the corruption she encountered. Ultimately, she was granted bail on October 21, a relief after an arduous ordeal.

Vasundhara Oswal’s account highlights significant issues regarding human rights violations and legal injustices within Uganda. Her wrongful detention and the circumstances leading to her release illustrate the serious challenges faced by individuals entangled in corrupt legal systems. Through perseverance and eventual legal victory, she emerged from her ordeal, advocating for justice.

Original Source: news.abplive.com