Robert Vadra appears before ED in case linked to fugitive arms dealer

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Advertisement

New Delhi, July 14: Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday for questioning in a money laundering case tied to absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Officials confirmed that his statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Vadra, who is facing investigation in three separate money laundering cases, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. One of these cases involves allegations that he funded renovations for a London property—12, Bryanston Square—allegedly acquired by Bhandari in 2009.

Also Read- Jharkhand braces for intense rain spell from July 14–17

The ED claims the renovations were carried out at Vadra’s direction, but the businessman has rejected the charges, insisting he does not own any property in London, directly or indirectly.

Advertisement

Calling the allegations politically motivated, Vadra has stated he is being “hounded and harassed” to serve political objectives. He has described the ongoing probe as a “political witch hunt” aimed at targeting him due to his association with the Gandhi family.

The 56-year-old was originally summoned by the ED last month but had requested a deferral due to overseas travel.

Also Read- No relief for failed class 11 students in Jharkhand’s constituent colleges

Sanjay Bhandari, now 63, fled India in 2016 following an Income Tax raid at his Delhi premises. He was declared a fugitive economic offender by a Delhi court, but recent efforts to extradite him have failed.

Advertisement

Last month, a UK court denied the Indian government’s request to appeal in Britain’s Supreme Court against Bhandari’s discharge in the extradition case—dealing a serious blow to attempts to bring him back to face trial.