Pankaj Oswal, a Swiss Indian billionaire, is experiencing immense turmoil as his elder daughter, Vasundhara, has been imprisoned in Uganda for over three weeks. Vasundhara, 26, was detained on October 1 by armed police during a visit to her family's factory, part of the Oswal Group’s $100 million investment to establish East Africa’s first grain-based Extra-Neutral Alcohol (ENA) production facility. The Ugandan authorities allege that her detention relates to a missing person investigation, but her family claims the accusations are fabricated and that the alleged victim, Mukesh Menaria, is alive and living in Tanzania.
Vasundhara had been in Uganda for three years, working to develop the factory. According to her younger sister, Riddhi Oswal, the family feels “immensely guilty” for sending her to Africa, especially since they cannot travel there without facing arrest by allegedly corrupt officials. “My parents’ hands are tied because they can’t even go to Uganda without facing immediate arrest,” Riddhi explained in an email interview with Hindustan Times.
Since her arrest, Vasundhara has reportedly faced dire conditions in prison, which her family describes as illegal and inhumane. Riddhi shared that her parents have locked themselves in a “secret location,” dedicating their time to securing their daughter's release. “They barely eat more than one meal a day and are surviving on the hope and faith that they can get their daughter free,” she said.
The allegations against Vasundhara center around a former employee, Mukesh Menaria, who worked for the Oswal family since 2017, initially as cabin crew for their private jet before taking on domestic roles. The family's troubles began when Menaria allegedly stole valuable assets and borrowed $200,000, with the Oswals as guarantors. Pankaj Oswal has accused Menaria of fabricating claims to avoid repayment, which ultimately led to Vasundhara's arrest. He has appealed to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, asserting that the accusations are a result of “corporate and political manipulation.”
In an urgent plea, Pankaj Oswal also reached out to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, requesting an investigation into what he describes as unlawful detention. He has expressed concern over Vasundhara's treatment, alleging that she has been denied legal representation, forced to endure unsanitary conditions, and was not allowed to change clothes or bathe for extended periods.
The Ugandan authorities have dismissed the Oswals' claims, requesting evidence to substantiate allegations of mistreatment and financial transactions intended to improve Vasundhara's prison conditions. Frank Baine, a representative of Uganda Prisons, refuted claims of abuse, asserting that Vasundhara’s cleaning duties during detention do not violate her rights.
Riddhi Oswal emphasized the values instilled by her parents, who encouraged their daughters to take on challenging roles regardless of gender. “They always taught us that both sexes are equal and encouraged my sister to work on greenfield projects. Now, they feel responsible for her situation,” she reflected.
Who is Vasundhara Oswal?
Vasundhara Oswal, 26, was raised in India, Australia, and Switzerland and graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance from a Swiss university. During her second year of university, she founded PRO Industries, where she currently serves as Executive Director.
Her family describes her as a pivotal figure in East Africa’s ethanol production sector. Vasundhara has led significant initiatives for the Oswal Group’s global expansion, especially in East Africa. Her accomplishments have earned her various accolades, including the Global Youth Icon Award for 2023 and the Woman of the Year title from the Economic Times.
A recent Instagram post by her brother highlighted her gentle nature, stating, “She’s not even able to hurt a fly; she feeds birds every morning and is a vegetarian. She used to meditate every day and never had a boyfriend. Now she’s been pinned with something she never did.”
The family is currently advocating for her release, with Pankaj Oswal reaching out to the United Nations for international intervention.
Vasundhara had been in Uganda for three years, working to develop the factory. According to her younger sister, Riddhi Oswal, the family feels “immensely guilty” for sending her to Africa, especially since they cannot travel there without facing arrest by allegedly corrupt officials. “My parents’ hands are tied because they can’t even go to Uganda without facing immediate arrest,” Riddhi explained in an email interview with Hindustan Times.
Since her arrest, Vasundhara has reportedly faced dire conditions in prison, which her family describes as illegal and inhumane. Riddhi shared that her parents have locked themselves in a “secret location,” dedicating their time to securing their daughter's release. “They barely eat more than one meal a day and are surviving on the hope and faith that they can get their daughter free,” she said.
The allegations against Vasundhara center around a former employee, Mukesh Menaria, who worked for the Oswal family since 2017, initially as cabin crew for their private jet before taking on domestic roles. The family's troubles began when Menaria allegedly stole valuable assets and borrowed $200,000, with the Oswals as guarantors. Pankaj Oswal has accused Menaria of fabricating claims to avoid repayment, which ultimately led to Vasundhara's arrest. He has appealed to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, asserting that the accusations are a result of “corporate and political manipulation.”
In an urgent plea, Pankaj Oswal also reached out to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, requesting an investigation into what he describes as unlawful detention. He has expressed concern over Vasundhara's treatment, alleging that she has been denied legal representation, forced to endure unsanitary conditions, and was not allowed to change clothes or bathe for extended periods.
The Ugandan authorities have dismissed the Oswals' claims, requesting evidence to substantiate allegations of mistreatment and financial transactions intended to improve Vasundhara's prison conditions. Frank Baine, a representative of Uganda Prisons, refuted claims of abuse, asserting that Vasundhara’s cleaning duties during detention do not violate her rights.
Riddhi Oswal emphasized the values instilled by her parents, who encouraged their daughters to take on challenging roles regardless of gender. “They always taught us that both sexes are equal and encouraged my sister to work on greenfield projects. Now, they feel responsible for her situation,” she reflected.
Who is Vasundhara Oswal?
Vasundhara Oswal, 26, was raised in India, Australia, and Switzerland and graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance from a Swiss university. During her second year of university, she founded PRO Industries, where she currently serves as Executive Director.
Her family describes her as a pivotal figure in East Africa’s ethanol production sector. Vasundhara has led significant initiatives for the Oswal Group’s global expansion, especially in East Africa. Her accomplishments have earned her various accolades, including the Global Youth Icon Award for 2023 and the Woman of the Year title from the Economic Times.
A recent Instagram post by her brother highlighted her gentle nature, stating, “She’s not even able to hurt a fly; she feeds birds every morning and is a vegetarian. She used to meditate every day and never had a boyfriend. Now she’s been pinned with something she never did.”
The family is currently advocating for her release, with Pankaj Oswal reaching out to the United Nations for international intervention.
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