The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix Tshisekedi is alleged to have ordered the arrest of the Asian businessman Harish Jagtani.
The Indian tycoon, who operates the Hilton Kishasa Hotel, among other investments in Congo, had always been a close business to Tshisekedi’s wife and first lady, Denise Nyakeru.
He even enjoyed state protection at one time, but somehow tables seem to have turned.
Jagtani who has dealt with Tshisekedi’s wife Denise Nyakeru in several undisclosed business transactions, has been held in detention for the entire week in his penthouse which is perched atop the 19th floor of the Congo Trade Center (CTC) building.
Harish Jagtani owns the Hilton Kinshasa Hotel, the Congo Trade Center and several other trading companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reports from Kinshasa reveal that the businessman is being prevented from leaving his tower house by the National Cyber Defense Council (CNC).
National Cyber Defense Council (CNC) happens to be an agency of the presidency of the Republic of Congo which is headed by Jean Claude Bukasa.
The motive behind the businessman’s arrest remains unknown.
Harish’s relatives are worried for his safety and get even more alarmed because they are not sure why the government agency is holding him in custody.
Some state organs in DRC clam that the Indian investor is being held for the time being.
Harish Jagtani is an influential businessman who owns several companies, notably the Modern Construction company, Hilton Kinshasa Hotel, CTC Building, Serv Air Airline, Supreme Automobile, the HJ Hospital, HJ Foundation, HJ Pharmaceutical, Medicine Warehouse and the Kinshasa City Garden.
Reports indicate that Tshisekedi and his supporters are accusing Jagtani of secretly dealing with and possibly also funding the rebel coalition comprising the Congo River Alliance and the March 23.
The accusation follows reports that the AFC and M23 rebel coalition leader Corneille Nangaa has been using one of the Indian businessman’s private jets.
Other sources claim that Jagtan is being held ransom by government officials who are extorting money from him to fund the war against rebels.
Meanwhile the AFC and M23 rebels have taken control of a strategic territory in eastern DR Congo’s North Kivu region as they continue their advancement.
The rebels took over Walikale center after intense clashes with the Wazalendo-backed Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
Walikale was one of the final strategic territories that the Congolese government had remained in control of in North Kivu which is now almost fully under the rebels.
The situation remains tense in the region due to continued threats of immense fighting between the two groups who continue to disregard the ceasefire agreement.