Australian Tycoon’s Daughter Released on Bail from Ugandan Prison

(Kampala) – Vasundhara Oswal, the daughter of Australian-Swiss billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has been granted bail after spending three weeks in detention in Uganda related to a missing person investigation.

Vasundhara, 26, was arrested on October 1 at her family’s alcohol production facility by armed police officers. Her family alleges that she has suffered inhumane treatment during her detention, citing severe conditions including restricted communication and lack of access to basic rights. The Oswals contend that these allegations against her are unfounded and motivated by business rivals looking to damage their reputation and operations in the region.

After the arrest, the family highlighted the plight of Vasundhara, noting the dire circumstances under which she was held. They claim the allegations originated from a former employee, Mukesh Menaria, who had worked for the family since 2017. The Oswals assert that Menaria fabricated claims after facing legal issues related to the theft of company assets and a loan of $200,000 that the family guaranteed.

Vasundhara’s release from custody followed testimony from Menaria, who stated that no wrongdoing had occurred on her part. Despite her bail, the legal challenges remain, and the family continues to advocate for her innocence and the harsh conditions she experienced. In an attempt to draw international attention to her situation, Pankaj Oswal has appealed to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and global human rights advocates.

The Oswal family maintains that their daughter was unjustly targeted, and they remain in a state of distress. Her sister, Riddhi Oswal, expressed feelings of guilt for Vasundhara’s presence in Uganda, emphasizing the family’s inability to travel to the country without fear of arrest. The family claims they have sought refuge in a secret location to focus on securing Vasundhara’s release, living on minimal sustenance and driven by the hope of reuniting with her.