Swiss-Indian Billionaire Pankaj Oswal Appeals to UN Over Daughter’s Detention in Uganda
Pankaj Oswal has filed a complaint with the United Nations regarding his daughter Vasundhara’s alleged illegal detention in Uganda by armed men without a warrant. She has reported being held under deplorable conditions for over 90 hours and denied basic rights. Her family suspects corporate rivalry may be at the heart of her detention, as she is a key player in a successful alcohol business established in Uganda.
Pankaj Oswal, a Swiss industrialist, has lodged a formal appeal with the United Nations regarding the alleged unlawful detention of his 26-year-old daughter, Vasundhara, in Uganda. Reports indicate that Vasundhara was forcefully taken by approximately 20 armed men from her workplace, an extra-neutral alcohol (ENA) production facility, on October 1. The detaining individuals reportedly did not present any identification or warrant, and her detention is connected to a case involving a missing individual. An urgent appeal was submitted to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) earlier this week, highlighting the severity of her situation. Vasundhara has expressed her distress in an Instagram post detailing her confinement, which she described as not only unlawful but alarming. She claimed that her detention conditions included seclusion in a room filled with shoes for over 90 hours, with no access to hygiene facilities for nearly five days. Furthermore, she was deprived of basic needs such as clean water and sufficient food and was provided only a small bench for sleeping purposes. Reports indicate that she was forced to participate in a suspect line-up, further emphasizing the questionable legality of her treatment. Additionally, as reported by the EU Reporter, Vasundhara’s dietary requirements, specifically her vegetarianism, were disregarded, and she has been denied contact with both her family and legal representatives. The broader context reveals that Vasundhara played a significant role in establishing the ENA plant in Luwero, Uganda, cultivating it from a modest setup in 2021 into a successful venture valued at $110 million. Her brother has implicated a local businessman, describing it as a jealousy-driven act that aims to undermine Vasundhara’s reputation and extort her family’s wealth. He also highlighted the troubling fact that, despite a judicial order for her release, authorities have brought further charges against her, including allegations of murder. Vasundhara’s mother, Radhika Oswal, has made an emotional plea to the Ugandan government, stating, “My young daughter has been thrown into a foreign jail. She has been stripped of her basic human rights and her dignity. Vasundhara is an innocent bystander. All I want is her safety.” The WGAD, which investigates misuse of police power and human rights violations, has a critical role in assessing claims like this, shining a light on potential abuses perpetrated by governmental entities. Amidst the ongoing advocacy efforts for Vasundhara’s release, her family’s position remains one of urgency, visibility, and demand for accountability on the part of Ugandan authorities regarding her treatment.
The situation surrounding Vasundhara Oswal’s detention has brought international attention to issues of human rights violations in Uganda. The claim of arbitrary detainment without proper legal procedure raises concerns over the exercise of police authority in this case. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention plays a pivotal role in investigating such claims and addressing potential abuses, serving as a crucial source of support for individuals who may be subject to injustices. The Oswal family’s significant business presence in the region, particularly through the ENA plant development, has positioned them as targets of business rivalries, which may have influenced the circumstances surrounding the detention. As financial stakes in corporate competition rise, accusations of personal motives and corporate sabotage are becoming alarmingly relevant, particularly in this case.
The appeal by Pankaj Oswal to the United Nations highlights serious concerns regarding the unlawful detention of his daughter, Vasundhara. With allegations of severe mistreatment during her confinement and potential breaches of human rights protocols, the case exemplifies the complexities tied to corporate competition and legal transparency in Uganda. The Oswal family’s public advocacy seeks to not only ensure Vasundhara’s immediate safety but also to shed light on broader issues pertaining to the rights of individuals within the international arena.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
