Pankaj Oswal’s Daughter Detained in Uganda: Family Seeks UN Intervention

Swiss industrialist Pankaj Oswal has filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) concerning the alleged illegal detention of his 26-year-old daughter, Vasundhara Oswal, in Uganda. Vasundhara was reportedly detained on October 1st at an extra-neutral alcohol (ENA) plant in Uganda’s Luwero, developed by her from “a small tent on a bare land in 2021.”

According to Oswal, his daughter was taken by around 20 armed men without identification or a warrant. She faces accusations of kidnapping and attempted murder of chef Mukesh Kumar Menaria, who has worked for the Oswal family for seven years. The family claims these charges are a result of corporate jealousy and financial disputes involving a 68-year-old unnamed individual, who allegedly tried to extort money from them.

An Instagram post by Vasundhara detailed her experience of “unlawful detainment and arrest,” sharing images of unsanitary conditions she was kept in, including a room with shoes and being denied basic necessities such as clean water and proper food. She allegedly endured a 90-hour interrogation with no contact with family or legal counsel.

Vasundhara’s mother, Radhika Oswal, publicly appealed to the Ugandan government, emphasizing the violation of her daughter’s human rights. “My young daughter has been thrown into a foreign jail,” Radhika stated. “She has been stripped of her basic human rights and her dignity.”

The UN working group, composed of international human rights specialists, has been approached to assess the misuse of police powers and to push for Vasundhara’s release. Despite a court ruling demanding her release, Oswal claims Ugandan authorities have resisted and filed additional charges to delay her release.

Pankaj Oswal further criticized the legal process in Uganda and announced a halt to their planned $150 million investment in the country. Meanwhile, the family has enlisted renowned human rights lawyer Cherie Blair CBE, KC, to assist in addressing the breach of domestic and international law concerning Vasundhara’s detention.

The Oswal family’s global business presence includes various ventures, and Vasundhara, with a Finance Bachelor’s degree from the University of Switzerland, is credited for sustainability projects in PRO Industries. However, she now faces a challenging situation, described by her family as politically motivated.