Delhi-based businesses linked to Robert Vadra implicated in a money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate
In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, of money laundering and other irregularities in a land deal in Gurugram in 2008.
The land deal in question involves the purchase of 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur from Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. by Vadra's company Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. for ₹7.5 crore. This land was later sold to real estate firm DLF Ltd. in 2012 for ₹58 crore.
The ED alleges that false declarations were made during the purchase, with the company having insufficient capital at the time of acquisition (only ₹1 lakh). The actual payment was also delayed, resulting in the evasion of stamp duty. Vadra is accused of receiving ₹58 crore as proceeds of crime from the deal.
The ED has provisionally attached 43 immovable properties, totaling Rs 38.69 crore, as direct or value equivalent to Proceeds of Crime. The probe agency also alleges that Vadra received the land for free in the Gurugram deal.
The case has also raised concerns about regulatory irregularities and misuse of power. The mutation of the land was initially cancelled by IAS officer Ashok Khemka due to violations but was later illegally reinstated by the then Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Statements from DTCP officials revealed pressure from higher authorities to accelerate the process.
Key points of alleged wrongdoing include:
- False statements: The company declared false capital and financial ability to buy the land, with actual payments made later.
- Under-valuation and loss of stamp duty: The land was originally purchased at a significantly undervalued price of ₹7.5 crore compared to the sale price of ₹58 crore, and delayed payment led to suppression of true transaction value to evade stamp duty.
- Irregular cancellation and reinstatement of land mutation: The legal cancellation by Ashok Khemka was overturned illegally by the then CM Hooda.
- Misuse of influence and money laundering: Vadra is accused of leveraging political connections to expedite the deal and laundering ₹58 crore from the transaction.
- Shifting of responsibility: Vadra refused to acknowledge key details and attributed actions to deceased associates in ED investigations.
The ED has named several other parties as accused in the case, including seven companies. The Special PMLA court has fixed August 28 to take cognisance of the ED complaint filed on July 17 and issued a notice to Vadra. The case is being probed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has led to charge sheets and court proceedings with notices issued to Vadra and others involved.
It is important to note that this article presents the facts as reported by various sources and does not contain opinions or unverified information. The case is still ongoing, and the court will determine the final outcome.
In the ongoing case, the ED has accused Robert Vadra of money laundering and irregularities in a land deal, involving false declarations of financial ability and delayed payments, which resulted in the evasion of stamp duty. Additionally, the ED alleges that Vadra leveraged political connections, misused influence, and laundered proceeds of crime, totaling ₹58 crore, in the business transaction.
