The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its pursuit of alleged money laundering activities connected to a land deal in Haryana's Shikohpur, involving Robert Vadra. The ED has asserted in a Delhi court that proceeds from the crime were used to acquire properties, characterizing the case as a "clear and classic case of money laundering".
The case revolves around a 3.53-acre land parcel in Shikohpur, Gurugram, acquired by Vadra's Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. from Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd in February 2008 for Rs 7.5 crore. The ED alleges that false declarations were made in the sale deed, stating that the payment of Rs 7.5 crore had been made when it was allegedly paid later to avoid stamp duty. Furthermore, the ED claims that Vadra used his influence to obtain a commercial license for the land, which was subsequently sold to DLF for Rs 58 crore in September 2012. The agency is suspicious that the profits were part of a money laundering scheme.
The ED's special counsel, Zoheb Hosain, argued that the court has jurisdiction over the matter because part of the criminal activity related to the proceeds occurred in Delhi. The ED alleges that Skylight Hospitality, with Vadra holding 99% of its shares, purchased land worth crores through these false declarations.
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi is currently reviewing the case and has reserved its decision on issuing a notice to Robert Vadra. The court is expected to pronounce its verdict on July 31. The ED has filed a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleging that Skylight Hospitality fraudulently purchased the land through false declarations. The agency also claims that Vadra obtained a commercial license on the purchased land through his personal influence.
The ED's investigation reveals that the license for commercial-residential development was obtained under pressure from higher authorities, with the licensing process expedited and without proper scrutiny of the company's financial capabilities. The ED stated that the license was acquired by bypassing procedural norms and exerting undue influence, alleging that illicit funds of approximately ₹42.62 crore were earned by Vadra-linked firms.
In July 2025, the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order, seizing 43 immovable assets worth an estimated Rs 37.64 crore, allegedly linked to Vadra and other accused parties through the business operations of Sky Light Hospitality.
Robert Vadra has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the case is a political vendetta against him and his family. The Congress party has supported Vadra, denouncing the ED's actions as politically motivated. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the Congress of land grabbing during its tenure, with leaders calling for explanations regarding the land acquisitions.
The case has faced scrutiny, including the cancellation of the land deal's mutation in October 2012 by IAS officer Ashok Khemka, citing procedural irregularities. However, a government panel later gave a clean chit to both Vadra and DLF in 2013. The ED is currently investigating Vadra in connection with other cases, including one involving UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari and a land deal in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
