Wed Oct 16 22:04:18 UTC 2024: ## Indian Billionaire’s Daughter Illegally Detained in Uganda, Family Appeals for Intervention

**Kampala, Uganda -** Renowned Indian-origin industrialist Pankaj Oswal has accused Ugandan authorities of illegally detaining his 26-year-old daughter, Vasundhara, without trial since October 1st. The family alleges that Vasundhara, executive director of PRO Industries, has been targeted by a former employee who, after stealing valuables and taking a $200,000 loan with the Oswal family as guarantors, fabricated false charges to avoid repaying the debt.

Despite the employee’s apprehension in Tanzania, Vasundhara has been accused of kidnapping and attempted murder, claims her father. The Oswal family alleges that Vasundhara was subjected to inappropriate interrogation for over 90 hours without legal counsel or family access, and despite a court order for her unconditional release, inadmissible charges were filed to prevent her release on bail.

“Not letting her be in touch with her family and lawyers and also snatching her phone from her, causing her to have an anxiety attack, which they did not acknowledge. This all while she is still being unlawfully detained with no evidence against her,” the family stated on Vasundhara’s Instagram account.

Pankaj Oswal has appealed to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for intervention, and has engaged renowned human rights lawyer Cherie Blair CBE, KC, who described Vasundhara’s treatment as a violation of both domestic and international laws.

Vasundhara’s mother, Radhika Oswal, expressed her anguish, stating, “This is every mother’s nightmare. 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, and for her to be back in my arms.”

The Oswal family has filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention seeking international intervention. The Oswal Group Global, with holdings in petrochemicals, real estate, fertilizers, and mining, is a prominent international business conglomerate. The family has resided in Switzerland for the past 10 years after relocating from Australia.

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