- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh, June 10: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s husband and businessman Robert Vadra has been summoned once again by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in a money laundering case connected to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. However, Vadra informed the agency that he would not be able to appear on the scheduled date and has instead requested an alternative date for questioning.
The ED’s investigation forms part of a broader probe into Sanjay Bhandari’s alleged financial crimes, which include the concealment of overseas assets, money laundering of bribe money, and violations of multiple Indian laws — most notably the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the **Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) Act, and the **Official Secrets Act.
According to the ED, Sanjay Bhandari is believed to have illegally acquired several high-value properties in London using proceeds derived from questionable defence deals during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s tenure (2004–2014). The agency claims that over ₹300 crore in alleged kickbacks were laundered by Bhandari and his network of associates.
The investigation further alleges that Robert Vadra had financial links with Bhandari during this period. These ties reportedly include transactions and personal associations related to the purchase of a London-based property, allegedly facilitated through shell companies. The ED supports its claims with email communications and the involvement of co-accused Manoj Arora and C.C. Thampi, both considered close to Vadra.
In its 2023 supplementary prosecution complaint, the ED explicitly named Vadra as a beneficiary of funds and properties tied to Bhandari’s illicit operations, describing the arms dealer as a “close associate” of the businessman.
Robert Vadra has consistently denied all allegations, stating that he has never had any business dealings with Sanjay Bhandari. He has accused the central government of targeting him for political reasons and insists he has cooperated with investigative agencies in the past.
Sanjay Bhandari, who fled India in 2016, is currently residing in the United Kingdom. Indian authorities have been pursuing his extradition for several years. In a significant development, a Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London approved Bhandari’s extradition in November 2022, a decision later ratified by the UK Home Secretary in early 2023. However, Bhandari has challenged the extradition order in the UK High Court, where the matter is still under legal review.
The case has political implications, given Vadra’s close family ties to top Congress leadership and the timing of enforcement actions that often coincide with election cycles or major political developments. The Congress party has accused the ruling BJP of misusing central agencies like the ED for political vendetta.
While Vadra has sought a new date to appear before the ED, sources within the agency suggest that further action could be considered if he fails to comply with future summons. The ED continues to collect evidence in connection with the London property and related financial transactions.
This high-profile case remains a flashpoint in India’s ongoing battle against black money and illicit financial flows, while also fueling the already charged political climate between the ruling party and the opposition.
