Synopsis
Businessman Robert Vadra appeared at the ED office after a new summons related to a land deal investigation in Gurugram, Haryana. He denies any wrongdoing, claiming political motives behind the probe.Key Takeaways
- Robert Vadra responds to ED summons.
- Involved in a land deal investigation in Gurugram.
- Claims political vendetta.
- Previously questioned in a separate money laundering case.
- Supports arrest of Mehul Choksi related to PNB scam.
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) Businessman Robert Vadra, spouse of Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Tuesday after receiving a new summons related to the ongoing investigation into a land transaction in Gurugram, Haryana. The 56-year-old businessman, who is the brother-in-law of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is expected to provide his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to reports.
This investigation revolves around a land acquisition made in February 2008 for Rs 7.5 crore by Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, in Shikohpur, located in Gurugram district, Haryana.
Typically, the mutation process takes several months; however, it was completed the very next day. A few months later, Vadra obtained a permit to establish a housing society on the property, significantly increasing its value. He subsequently sold the land to DLF in June for Rs 58 crore.
The ED suspects that the profits may be linked to a money laundering operation and is currently tracking the origins of these substantial profits. These transactions occurred while Congress was in power in the state, under Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Earlier in the day, Vadra walked from his home to the ED office after being summoned. He claimed that this situation is a political vendetta and asserted that he has nothing to conceal.
Previously, he was requested to appear before the agency on April 8 regarding this matter, but he did not show up.
Vadra has also faced questioning by the ED in a separate money laundering case.
On Monday, he expressed his support for the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, calling it a pivotal moment for the nation. He underscored the necessity of recovering misappropriated funds from Choksi and compensating those affected by the significant Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.
In a conversation with IANS, he remarked, 'This is great news for everyone. If someone has committed a crime, they must be apprehended and held accountable.'
