Did Robert Vadra Evade Questions About His Links to UK Arms Consultant Sanjay Bandari?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent interrogation by the ED, Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, was uncooperative regarding his alleged financial ties with UK arms consultant Sanjay Bandari. This situation raises significant questions about accountability and transparency in political circles. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this unfolding investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Vadra faced questioning by the ED regarding his ties to Sanjay Bandari.
- He remains non-cooperative during investigations.
- The properties in question are seen as benami assets.
- Vadra has consistently denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
- A Delhi Court recently declared Bandari a fugitive economic offender.
New Delhi, July 14 (NationPress) Robert Vadra, the spouse of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, was reticent in responding to questions posed by the ED regarding his purported financial links with UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bandari and his relatives, as reported by sources on Monday.
Called in relation to a money laundering investigation initiated in 2016, Vadra exhibited a lack of cooperation during a two-hour interrogation and did not provide answers concerning two property transactions in London, sources indicated.
Accompanied by his wife, Vadra arrived at the ED office in central Delhi around noon and departed nearly two hours later, without offering any remarks to reporters.
The businessman, who is the son-in-law of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, has consistently denied any malpractice in his multiple appearances before the ED.
On various occasions, Vadra has criticized the ED for what he perceives as harassment, stating that he has no new information to provide.
The ED has claimed that the two properties under scrutiny are benami properties belonging to Vadra, purportedly acquired in collusion with Sanjay Bhandari.
The properties in question are located at Grosvenor Hill Court, 13 Bourdon Street, and 19 Bryanston Square. The ED considers these assets as proceeds of crime linked to the 2016 money laundering case.
The agency has alleged that Vadra stayed at the Bryanston Square residence during some of his visits to London.
Attention was drawn to the properties when investigators detected benami transactions involving Vadra and Bhandari.
The investigation agency has alleged that Bhandari renovated a property in London in 2009 using funds from Vadra.
Earlier on July 5, a Delhi Court declared Bhandari a fugitive economic offender, a decision that followed a British court's refusal to extradite him to India.
Bhandari, 62, fled to the UK in 2016 and was designated a fugitive economic offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, which allowed the investigation agency to seize his assets.
The ED submitted a chargesheet against Bhandari in 2020, stemming from actions initiated by the Income Tax department under anti-black money regulations.
Bhandari has been accused of hiding overseas assets, providing misleading statements to conceal information about overseas properties, and utilizing backdated documents.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this investigation with a commitment to uncovering the truth. The allegations against Robert Vadra highlight the need for accountability in political finance. Our focus remains on ensuring that all involved parties are treated fairly while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in our democratic processes.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of the ED's investigation into Robert Vadra?
The ED's investigation is based on allegations of money laundering related to properties in London, purportedly linked to Vadra and arms consultant Sanjay Bandari.
Has Robert Vadra made any public statements regarding the ED's allegations?
Yes, Vadra has publicly denied any wrongdoing and criticized the ED for what he perceives as harassment.
What are the specific properties under investigation?
The properties under scrutiny are located at Grosvenor Hill Court, 13 Bourdon Street, and 19 Bryanston Square in London.
What legal actions have been taken against Sanjay Bandari?
Sanjay Bandari was declared a fugitive economic offender by a Delhi Court, which allows the ED to seize his assets.
What implications does this case have for political accountability?
This case raises significant questions about the accountability of public figures and the transparency of their financial dealings.
