The ED has recorded the statement of Robert Vadra for three consecutive days in the 2008 Haryana land deal-linked money laundering case in April.
The Enforcement Directorate will soon file a chargesheet against Robert Vadra, the businessman husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for his alleged involvement in suspected land deals which the probe agency believes are part of “proceeds of crime”.
Among the major cases which ED is investigating and in which Robert Vadra’s statement has been recorded are –
Beneficial Ownership of London Properties
The ED investigations started in 2018. The agency claims Robert Vadra’s close aide, London-based businessman Sanjay Bhandari, got commission in business deals which was used to purchase plush homes in London. Robert Vadra was quizzed several times in 2018 and last questioned in 2019. India has so far not been successful in the extradition of Bhandari.
Faridabad Land Deal Case
In a supplementary chargesheet filed against Sanjay Bhandari, ED, without naming Robert Vadra and Priyanka Vadra, had mentioned the sale and purchase of a land deal in Faridabad. This was based on a statement given by CC Thampi, who was earlier arrested by ED.
CC Thampi purchased approximately 486 acres of land from 2005–2008 in village Amipur in Haryana’s Faridabad district through HL Pahwa, a Delhi NCR-based real estate agent.
It is imperative to mention that Robert Vadra also purchased 40.08 acres in Amipur from HL Pahwa from 2005–2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in December 2010. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also purchased agricultural land measuring five acres in village Amipur from Pahwa in April 2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in February 2010. Pahwa was receiving cash out of the books for the purpose of acquisition of land. It was also noticed that Robert Vadra did not pay the entire sale consideration to Pahwa, the ED had said in its chargesheet filed in November 2023.
It is imperative to mention that Robert Vadra also purchased 40.08 acres in Amipur from HL Pahwa from 2005–2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in December 2010. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also purchased agricultural land measuring five acres in village Amipur from Pahwa in April 2006 and sold the same land to Pahwa in February 2010. Pahwa was receiving cash out of the books for the purpose of acquisition of land. It was also noticed that Robert Vadra did not pay the entire sale consideration to Pahwa, the ED had said in its chargesheet filed in November 2023.
Shekopura (Gurugram) Land Deal Case
His two companies had Rs 1 lakh in their accounts when they purchased 3.53 acres of land worth Rs 7.5 crore in 2008, according to ED sources.
After purchasing the land from Onkareshar Properties, Vadra’s firm wrote to the Haryana government stating that it wanted to use the land for commercial purposes, and approval was granted within four days.
Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited purchased the 3.53-acre land from Onkareshar Properties on 12 February 2008 for Rs 7.50 crore without making any payments.
After purchasing the land from Onkareshar Properties, Vadra’s firm wrote to the Haryana government stating that it wanted to use the land for commercial purposes, and approval was granted within four days.
Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited purchased the 3.53-acre land from Onkareshar Properties on 12 February 2008 for Rs 7.50 crore without making any payments.