The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accelerated its actions against Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, in three ongoing money laundering cases. Sources suggest the ED may file charge sheets within the next three months.
New Delhi: Political circles are abuzz as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is preparing to file charge sheets in three money laundering cases against Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi. The charge sheets are expected to be filed in court within the next three months. Vadra faces accusations of irregularities in land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan, and illegal ownership of a London property.
Three Cases Against Robert Vadra?
1. Haryana's Shikohpur Land Deal Case
This case has been under scrutiny since 2018, when Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, was accused of purchasing 3.5 acres of land in the Manesar-Shikohpur area for a mere ₹7.5 crore. The land was allegedly transferred to Vadra's company within a day. Within a month, the then Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's government approved a housing project on the land, significantly increasing its value.
Later, DLF agreed to purchase it for approximately ₹58 crore, resulting in substantial financial gains for Vadra. An FIR was filed against Vadra, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and several real estate companies. The ED is completing its investigation and preparing the charge sheet in this case.
2. Rajasthan's Bikaner Land Scam
In the second case, Vadra is accused of purchasing 275 bighas of land for ₹72 lakh and selling it at a higher price, making a profit of 615%. In 2019, the ED questioned Vadra and his mother. According to the ED report, Vadra's company did not conduct the necessary "due diligence" while purchasing the land. Checks were issued directly in the names of "landowners" at the behest of a company representative. This case is also nearing the filing of a charge sheet.
3. London Property Dispute
The third case involves British arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It alleges that in 2009, Bhandari purchased a property at 12 Bryanston Square, London, which was renovated at Vadra's alleged direction, with Vadra purportedly providing the funds. However, Vadra has denied any direct or indirect ownership and termed it a political conspiracy. In 2023, the ED stated in its charge sheet that several documents confirmed financial transactions and contacts between Bhandari and Vadra.
ED's Future Plans
After filing charge sheets in all three cases, the ED will seek court permission to initiate prosecution. If the charges are proven under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Vadra's assets could be seized. Robert Vadra has consistently maintained that all allegations against him are politically motivated.
He claims it is an attempt by the government to defame him and his wife, Priyanka Gandhi. Vadra asserts he has not broken any laws and did not acquire any property illegally.
