Money Laundering Allegations Against Robert Vadra

Robert Vadra, the businessman husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is embroiled in a money laundering case linked to an alleged fraudulent land transaction in Shikohpur, Gurugram. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed charges against him, claiming illicit gains of Rs 58 crore were laundered into multiple assets. The chargesheet, accessed by NDTV, highlights the gravity of the allegations and the intricate web of transactions involved.

Associates and Companies Under Scrutiny

The case also implicates Vadra’s associates, Satyanand Yajee and Kewal Singh Virk, along with several companies connected to him. These include M/s Sky Light Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, M/s Sky Light Realty Pvt. Ltd., and M/s Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. (now SGY Properties Pvt. Ltd.). The involvement of these entities suggests a broader network of financial dealings under investigation.

Historical Context and Legal Proceedings

The chargesheet reveals that the case is tied to a First Information Report filed by the Haryana Police in September 2018. This report also named former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DLF Ltd., citing allegations of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The ED registered its money laundering case in December 2018, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Details of the Land Transaction

According to the agency, SLHPL purchased 3.5 acres of land from Onkareshwar Properties for Rs 7.5 crore as per the sale deed, although the actual agreed consideration was Rs 15 crore. The payment mentioned in the deed was never encashed, leading to accusations of misrepresentation and stamp duty evasion amounting to approximately Rs 45 lakh.

Implications of Alleged Quid Pro Quo

The ED claims that this misrepresentation facilitated a quid pro quo arrangement, where the land was transferred without genuine payment in exchange for Vadra’s alleged influence to secure a commercial licence for Onkareshwar Properties in the same village. This aspect of the case underscores potential misuse of power and influence in business dealings.