Robert Vadra to appear before ED today in arms dealer-linked money laundering case

Businessman Robert Vadra, who is also the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, will appear before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in a money laundering case linked to UK-based fugitive arms dealer, Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra, 56, had skipped the earlier summons issued by the federal agency last Tuesday (June 10). The ED then issued a fresh summons to the businessman yesterday.

He skipped the June 10 summons saying he had flu-like symptoms the previous day and had undertaken a Covid-19 test as per protocol, news agency PTI reported. His lawyer then said that the 56-year-old had no intention of avoiding the summons and was ready to appear before the ED anytime before or after his travel later this month.

As part of his appearance before the probe agency today, Vadra is expected to record his statement on the case, which is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is understood that the ED will subsequently file a chargesheet in the case.

The case is part of a larger investigation into Bhandari, who fled India in 2016 soon after the IT Department raided him in Delhi, and is currently based in the UK. He is allegedly a close aide of Robert Vadra.

Bhandari is accused of concealing overseas assets, laundering kickbacks and violating multiple Indian laws, including the PMLA, the Official Secrets Act, and the Black Money Act.

In the UK, he is currently contesting extradition proceedings initiated by Indian authorities. Earlier this month, a UK court rejected an application by the Indian government seeking a nod to appeal in Britain's Supreme Court against the discharge of Bhandari in an extradition case. The discharge would rule out any opportunity for India to bring Bhandari back to the country for trial.

The ED filed a chargesheet in the case in 2023, alleging that Bhandari obtained multiple properties in London from the proceeds of crime from the defence deals in India. It alleged that Bhandari acquired the 12, Bryanston Square house in London in 2009 and got it renovated "as per the directions of Robert Vadra, who provided the funds for the renovation". The federal agency alleged that Bhandari had financial dealings with Vadra during the UPA government.

Vadra has denied any connection, directly or indirectly, and termed the charges a "political witch hunt". The businessman said he was being "hounded and harassed" to obey political ends.

In April, the ED questioned Vadra for three consecutive days in a separate money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the 2008 Shikhopur land deal in Haryana. The businessman is also being probed by the federal agency in another money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in a Bikaner land deal case.

The 56-year-old is being investigated in a total of three money laundering cases by the ED.

(With inputs from PTI)