The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is reportedly moving closer to filing charge sheets against Robert Vadra in multiple money laundering cases that have been under investigation for several years. Sources indicate that the agency is preparing to submit these charge sheets before the respective special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) courts.
Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is currently under investigation in three separate money laundering cases. These cases involve a London property allegedly linked to arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari, a land deal in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and a 2008 land deal in Haryana.
The case involving Sanjay Bhandari centers around a property located at 12, Bryanston Square in London. The ED alleges that Bhandari acquired the house in 2009 and subsequently renovated it based on Vadra's instructions, with Vadra allegedly providing the funds for the renovation. In 2023, the ED filed a charge sheet in this case, accusing Bhandari of these actions. However, Robert Vadra has denied any direct or indirect ownership of the London property, dismissing the charges as a "political witch hunt" and claiming he is being "hounded and harassed" for political purposes. Recent developments indicate that a UK court has refused the Indian government's application for permission to appeal against the discharge of Bhandari in an extradition case, diminishing the chances of him being brought back to India to face legal proceedings.
The second case involves alleged financial irregularities in a land deal in Bikaner. The ED registered a criminal case in 2015, taking cognizance of FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Rajasthan police following a complaint by the Bikaner tehsildar regarding alleged forgery in land allotment. The area is considered sensitive due to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border. Vadra and his mother, Maureen, have previously been questioned by the ED in connection with this case.
The third money laundering case pertains to a 2008 land deal in Shikohpur, Gurugram, Haryana. Vadra has been questioned extensively in this case, including three consecutive days of questioning in April. The ED is investigating alleged financial irregularities related to this particular land transaction.
Recently, Vadra has skipped multiple summons issued by the ED for questioning in the Sanjay Bhandari-linked money laundering case. He cited flu-like symptoms and a COVID-19 test as the reason for missing a summons in June. Later, he communicated his travel plans to the UAE and UK, stating his willingness to join the investigation upon his return to India. The ED is seeking to record Vadra's statement under the PMLA before filing a charge sheet in this case.
The ED's investigation and potential chargesheet come amidst a politically charged atmosphere, with Vadra consistently alleging that the accusations are part of a political conspiracy to harass and defame him. The filing of charge sheets in these long-pending cases could have significant implications, potentially intensifying the political discourse and legal battles surrounding Robert Vadra.
