A Delhi court has granted bail to businessman Robert Vadra in a money laundering Enforcement Directorate case linked to a 2008 land deal in Gurugram’s Shikohpur village.
Special Judge (PC Act) Sushant Changotra granted bail upon payment of ₹50,000 thousand as surety.ED had filed charge sheet in the case without arresting Vadra.ED’s counsel Zoheb Hossain appeared online and informed the court that ED is filing a status report and also sought two weeks’ time to file another status report after conducting further investigation.
He told the court that the order of cognisance has also been challenged by the accused persons. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 10. Vadra appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court in compliance with the summons issued to him after the court had taken cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) prosecution complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case relates to alleged irregularities in a land transaction involving 3.53 acres of land.
The case relates to alleged irregularities in a land transaction in Haryana’s Shikohpur village and has been under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Speaking to reporters after being granted bail, Vadra questioned the agency’s functioning while asserting his faith in the judiciary.
"I believe in the judicial system of this country. I know that ED is being managed by the Government and the ED will keep on going on the instructions of the Government. So, it's not fair from the ED's side. But I believe in the judicial system of the country. I am here, I have nothing to hide. So, I am always going to be here and answer all the questions. Whatever the formalities are, I will complete them. So, it's all good...If we are winning elections, if we are doing good and people still want my family, by default I am going to have to deal with this.I have the capability to face this. I am fearless and I have nothing to hide...."
The case stems from a 2008 land transaction involving Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which had purchased around 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur village in Gurugram from Onkareshwar Properties for about Rs 7.5 crore. The land was later sold to real estate giant DLF for a significantly higher amount after the mutation process and the grant of a commercial licence became subjects of scrutiny.
The Haryana government had earlier ordered inquiries into the deal, with allegations centring on possible irregularities in land licensing and financial gains arising from the transaction. The ED later initiated a money laundering probe based on the predicate offence registered in the matter.Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the allegations against him are politically motivated.
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