Were 7 Firms Linked to Robert Vadra Involved in Money Laundering?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Robert Vadra linked to seven firms in a money laundering case.
- Allegations include false statements and undervaluation of land.
- ED's investigation has led to provisional attachment of properties worth Rs 38.69 crore.
- Upcoming court date set for August 28.
- Concerns over corruption and accountability in high-profile transactions.
New Delhi, Aug 10 (NationPress) Businessman Robert Vadra, spouse of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has been implicated in a controversial land transaction from 2008 involving seven firms associated with him, as highlighted in a prosecution complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These seven companies have been officially designated as accused in the ongoing investigation.
The ED's complaint presented in a Special PMLA court outlines various alleged misconducts attributed to Vadra, including making false statements regarding the sale proceeds, undervaluing the land, and resulting in significant stamp duty losses for the state.
According to the investigation, Vadra purportedly received Rs 58 crore as proceeds of crime related to the money laundering case, prompting the provisional attachment of 43 properties valued at Rs 38.69 crore, which are linked to these illicit gains.
The Special PMLA court has set the date of August 28 to acknowledge the ED's complaint submitted on July 17, and has issued a notice to Vadra.
In the chargesheet, Vadra is identified as Accused Number 1 alongside ten other individuals, including the seven implicated companies.
The ED claims that Vadra's firm, Skylight Hospitality Private Limited, acquired 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur, Gurugram from Omkareshwar Properties Private Limited for Rs 7.50 crore despite the company having minimal capital.
The agency argues that Vadra essentially obtained the land at no cost, as he never issued a cheque to the seller, and the cheque referenced in the sale deed was not associated with him, suggesting he didn't pay the stated sale amount.
“Furthermore, the cheque amount stated in the sale deed was significantly lower than the market rate, evidenced by the seller's other land transactions nearby, which were priced much higher than the sale deed dated February 12, 2008,” the complaint noted.
The investigation also revealed that only 1.35 acres of the claimed 3.53 acres were eligible for commercial licensing, falling short of the 2-acre minimum requirement.
“Despite this, officials from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Chandigarh expedited the application process, even manipulating the sector road plan documentation to ensure Skylight Hospitality qualified for the license,” the ED's complaint stated.
The additional individuals named in the ED prosecution complaint include: Satyanand Yajee, Kewal Singh Virk, Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited (now Skylight Hospitality LLP), Sky Light Realty Private Limited, Real Earth Estates Private Limited (now Real Earth Estates LLP), Blue Breeze Trading Private Limited, Artex, North India IT Parks Private Limited, Lambodar Art Enterprises India Private Limited (now Lambodar Art Enterprises India LLP), and SGY Properties Private Limited (previously Onkareshwer Properties Private Limited).