Questions have emerged over how British-Indian businessman Ramesh Masrani, also known as Chatrabhuj, left Uganda despite being scheduled to appear before court to face multiple criminal charges.
Masrani, who is accused of two counts of forgery and two counts of uttering false documents, reportedly flew to London on May 18, 2025, shortly before his file was sanctioned by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for court appearance.
The charges stem from a complaint filed under Kira Road CRB 11/2025 (KPM ESAT GEF 209/2024), in which Masrani is accused of forging documents and fraudulently attempting to transfer shares from a local company.
According to a letter dated May 21, 2025, by Atigo & Co. Advocates addressed to the Regional Police Commander (RPC) of Kampala Metropolitan East and copied to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Resident State Attorney (RSA), Masrani was not produced in court despite being arrested and held in custody beyond the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period.
The complainant’s legal team claims they witnessed the businessman’s arrest on May 16, 2025, at Jinja Road Police Station. However, despite assurances that the suspect would be arraigned, he was reportedly released without appearing before court.
“We followed up the matter on Monday, May 19, expecting the suspect to be brought to KCCA Court to take plea, but we were informed that he was never presented,” the letter reads in part.
The letter also details a protracted process within the ODPP where the suspect’s file was reviewed and sanctioned multiple times. At least two assistant DPPs reportedly confirmed sufficient evidence for prosecution.
Despite the legal backing for his prosecution, Masrani departed the country, prompting accusations that the Uganda Police Force may have facilitated or failed to prevent his exit.
The complainant alleges that Masrani’s continued freedom poses a significant threat to her business.
In a letter dated March 31, 2025, she accused Masrani of forging her signature on bank cheques and attempting to illegally transfer company shares through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
“Failure to prosecute the suspect allows him to continue committing these crimes. He is a threat to our business interests,” the letter warned.
The complainant’s lawyers have now petitioned the DPP, requesting that the Assistant DPP who last reviewed the file be barred from further involvement, citing concerns of interference. They are also demanding Masrani’s immediate arraignment and prosecution.
In defense, a family member close to the embattled tycoon claims that Masrani’s departure was due to pre-scheduled medical treatment abroad, not an attempt to evade justice.
Nevertheless, sources indicate that Masrani has been summoned to appear before court on Friday, May 31, 2025.
