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Emotional Hug Before ED Grilling: Priyanka Gandhi Drops Off Robert Vadra on Day 2

April 16, 2025, 11:48 am

Entrepreneur Robert Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) headquarters for the second day running on Wednesday for questioning in the case of money laundering in regard to a 2008 Haryana land transaction. His wife and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined him, providing reassurance before he walked into the ED headquarters following a tight hug with her.

ED Questions Robert Vadra in 2008 Land Deal Case

Vadra, the brother-in-law of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, is under investigation for a land transaction in Manesar-Shikohpur (now sector 83) in Gurugram. The ED is recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

On Tuesday, officials questioned Vadra for around five hours. He appeared again on Wednesday as part of the ongoing probe.

The probe surrounds a 3.5-acre land transaction in February 2008 between Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, in which Vadra was a director at one time, and a company. The company had acquired land from Onkareshwar Properties for ₹7.5 crore. In September 2012, the 3.53-acre land was sold by Skylight to real estate conglomerate DLF for ₹58 crore.

During the original transaction, the state was in the grip of a Congress-majority government led by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Ashok Khemka’s Intervention Led to Scrutiny

The transaction was rendered controversial in October 2012 when IAS officer Ashok Khemka, Director General of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector General of Registration for Haryana at the time, revoked the mutation of the land. He indicated a violation of the State Consolidation Act and a lapse of procedure. His move sent the transaction under national scrutiny and elicited calls for more stringent inquiry.

It was in 2018 when the Haryana Police filed an FIR to bring the formal probe on the deal.

Robert Vadra Terms Probe “Political Vendetta”

Robert Vadra, who has always claimed to be innocent, termed the ED action politically motivated. “I have always been cooperative with the investigative agencies and have provided the humongous amount of documents,” he said, adding, “There has to be a closure to cases which are as old as 20 years.”

The probe is ongoing as the ED is scrutinizing financial transactions involved in the land transaction.

“If Congress Wants Me…”: Robert Vadra Breaks Silence on Political Future

April 14, 2025, 2:46 pm

Businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed his willingness to join politics, saying that if the Congress party feels he should take that step, he would do so with the blessings of his family.

Speaking to ANI in an exclusive interview on Monday, Vadra emphasised that his connection to politics has largely been due to his association with the Gandhi family. However, he stated that over the years, multiple political parties have tried to pull him into political discussions, often using his name as a distraction during elections or other issues.

“My association with politics is only because I am a member of the Gandhi family. But I will also say that in the last many years, many parties have used my name and always pulled me into politics by default because every time there’s an election, they remember my name. Every time they have an issue that they want to digress from, they remember my name,” Vadra said, adding that it has often felt like a political witch hunt and vendetta.

He noted that his family, particularly his wife, Priyanka and brother-in-law, Rahul Gandhi, has been a great source of learning, and they actively participate in Parliament.

“I always said that I would like Priyanka to be in Parliament first, and now she is, and she’s working very hard. I see how much I’ve learnt from her and from Rahul and everybody in the family,” he added.

Vadra emphasised that if the Congress party decides he should join politics, he would take that step, understanding the need for more voices in Parliament to fight divisive forces and work toward keeping the country secular.

“So I feel that, with the blessings of my family and if the Congress feels that I should be in politics, I will take that step. They know I have a lot of understanding of what’s happening on the ground and what change is required,” Vadra said.

In addition, Vadra also commented on the recent arrest of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi in Belgium. He termed the arrest a “very big thing for the country” but stressed that while the arrest is important, the focus should now shift to recovering the stolen money and ensuring the people affected by the financial fraud are compensated.

“It is a very big thing for the country. Arresting is a different thing, but it is important that the money of the people who have been wronged should be recovered, and the government should think about it. Nirav Modi and other people should also be brought back, and the government should ensure that the losses of the people are taken care of,” Vadra said.

Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium on Saturday after local authorities confirmed his presence in the country. The 65-year-old fugitive diamond merchant who left India on January 2, 2018, is wanted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly defrauding the PNB of Rs 13,850 crore. His nephew, Nirav Modi, was also involved with him in the fraud.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Daily Guardian staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Robert Vadra Criticizes PM Modi’s ‘Damad’ Comment: Calls It “In Poor Taste”

September 26, 2024, 8:51 pm

Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, reacted on Thursday to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent “Dalal and Damad” (middlemen and sons-in-law) jibe, stating that the comment was “in poor taste.” The remark was made during a poll rally in Haryana’s Sonipat.

Vadra’s Reaction to the PM’s Comments

Vadra criticized the prime minister’s language, saying, “The tone that he’s used to say words like Dalal and Damad, I think it’s in poor taste. He’s the prime minister of 1.4 billion people. We expect much more from him.”

At the rally, PM Modi had accused Congress of being “entrenched in corruption,” claiming, “Ten years ago, when there was a Congress government here, the farmers’ lands were looted. The Congress had handed over Haryana to Dalals (middlemen) and Damads (sons-in-law). No job could be attained without cheating, and there was no organisation free of corruption.”

Vadra Defends His Business Dealings

In response to these allegations, Vadra asserted that despite multiple inquiries and notices over the last decade, no wrongdoing has been proven in his business dealings. “I’m quite surprised that once again the Prime Minister has used my name. They’ve had their government in Haryana as well as at the Centre. I know that in the last decade, they have set up commissions (to probe allegedly corrupt deals). They cannot prove anything because there was no wrongdoing in the way my companies have functioned,” Vadra stated.

Claims of Political Diversion

Vadra suggested that the prime minister’s remarks were an attempt to divert attention from the government’s shortcomings in Haryana. “I think he has nothing else to offer or say for the people of Haryana because the people of Haryana are not happy with this government,” he added.

Expressing optimism about the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, Vadra said, “Congress will do well because the people want change.” Voting in Haryana is scheduled for October 5, with the results set to be announced on October 8.

Who Is Priyanka Gandhi’s Husband Robert Vadra?

June 18, 2024, 1:48 pm

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is poised to enter the electoral arena from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, following her brother Rahul Gandhi’s decision to relinquish the seat in favor of retaining the Rae Bareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi had secured victory in both seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, with a substantial margin of over three lakh votes.

Taking to his social media account, Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s husband, showcased his support by posting her picture.

Take A Look At The Post:

?♥️ pic.twitter.com/bI0dgvs7HT

— Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) June 17, 2024

Who is Robert Vadra?

Robert Vadra, born to Rajendra and Maureen Vadra on April 18, 1969, hails from a Punjabi family settled in the Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Originally from Sialkot in present-day Pakistan, his paternal family migrated to India during the partition.

In 1997, Priyanka married Robert, a businessman based in Delhi, and began using the name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The couple has two children.

In January 2002, Vadra published a notice in a print newspaper distancing himself from his father and brother, citing their misuse of his relationship with the Nehru-Gandhi family for personal gain, including promising jobs and other favors. Subsequently, Sonia Gandhi, then Congress president, issued a notice to all Congress chief ministers, state unit heads, and senior party members to maintain a distance from Vadra and his family.

While Vadra has not actively pursued a political career, he has been a vocal supporter and campaigner for his brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi and mother-in-law Sonia Gandhi. Despite facing allegations following the 2012 anti-corruption movement, India Against Corruption, and subsequent politicization of these allegations, Vadra remained mostly in the background. However, he became a target for several opposition parties. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he campaigned extensively across India for various Congress candidates. On his 50th birthday, when asked about his potential entry into active politics, Vadra hinted that it might happen in the next 2-3 years.

‘Bakwas ki hai’: Robert Vadra Reacts to Sam Pitroda’s Remarks

May 9, 2024, 4:17 pm

Husband of Priyanka Gandhi and businessman Robert Vadra has recently called out former chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda’s racist remarks on Thursday.

Had wondered How can a highly educated person like him make such remarks. And further commented, that while Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi are making efforts to push the party, but due to Pitroda’s remarks, BJP is getting a chance to ‘raise unnecessary issues.”

Talking to ANI, Vadra said “When you are associated with this (Gandhi) family…with great power comes great responsibility. You have to think before taking any step. I absolutely disagree with what Sam Pitroda has said. ‘Bakwas ki hai’ (He has spoken rubbish) …How can someone so educated say something like this?”

Vadra also emphasized, that he should be a little more responsible. Later commenting about his resignation, he expressed nothing but happiness about this decision.

“…You come here and talk about this government’s mistakes, pointing out the shortcomings. But you are sitting on the sofa and saying anything, which is complete nonsense. I am very happy that he has retired. I wrote to him yesterday that all this is wrong.” said Robert Vadra.

Sam Pitroda has recently got himself into a fresh controversy on Wednesday. Where his video of an interview got viral.

In this video, he talked about how Indians continue to live unitedly for the last 75 years despite their differences because of Congress.

Delving into the country’s diversity, Sam Pitroda said the following line “We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food.”

As a result, it drew a big condemnation from large section of people including congress. Who called it “unacceptable, unfortunate and absolutely wrong” and distanced themselves from these remarks.

“The analogies drawn by Mr. Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India’s diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies.” said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh

Robert Vadra: “Will Surely Join Active Politics in Future”

May 9, 2024, 3:15 pm

Robert Vadra, spouse of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and a businessman, affirmed his intention to enter politics eventually to serve the populace. He hinted at aiming for a seat in the Rajya Sabha. Previously, there were conjectures about Vadra’s potential entry into electoral politics, possibly contesting from either Amethi or Raebareli. Although expressing his eagerness to participate in elections, Congress nominated Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli and KL Sharma from Amethi.

“I aspire to serve the nation’s people, possibly through the Rajya Sabha,” Vadra stated to ANI. “I will continue engaging with citizens across Amethi, Raebareli, and Moradabad, deriving joy from their blessings. Eventually, I will actively pursue politics.”

Addressing purported tensions between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Vadra dismissed any discord, emphasizing their united focus on bettering the country. “There are no issues among us. Our collaboration is for the nation’s welfare,” he emphasized.

Vadra expressed disinterest in speculation about his absence from the Amethi contest, emphasizing a cohesive familial approach to national service. He acknowledged the expectations of Amethi residents for representation, reflecting on the Gandhi family’s historical commitment to the region.

Critiquing BJP’s Smriti Irani, Vadra highlighted dissatisfaction among Amethi constituents, who regretted electing her. He referenced Irani’s victory over Rahul Gandhi in 2019, prompting Gandhi to contest from Wayanad and Raebareli in the current elections.

‘Hugging in Delhi, begging in Kerala, thugging in Karnataka…’ Smriti Irani takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi

April 6, 2024, 2:31 pm

Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Smriti Irani criticized the Congress’s stance in Kerala, particularly targeting senior party figure Rahul Gandhi, who is running for election from the Wayanad constituency. Irani took aim at the Congress for facing competition from its ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI), in Kerala, where the CPI has put forward its prominent candidate against Rahul Gandhi.

Annie Raja, the general secretary of the Communist Party, was nominated to contest from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala against Rahul Gandhi. In response, the BJP nominated its Kerala chief, K Surendran, for the Wayanad seat, setting the stage for a three-way contest.

Irani, speaking at a rally in Karnataka, sarcastically remarked on the Congress’s predicament, stating, “The condition of the Opposition is such that they are contesting in Wayanad. Left parties suggest Rahul Gandhi contest from Uttar Pradesh, yet when they meet in Delhi for an INDIA Alliance gathering, they embrace Rahul Gandhi.”

She further commented, “Yesterday, I mentioned in Kerala, ‘Hugging in Delhi, begging in Kerala.’ The situation reflects the turmoil the Congress is facing: ‘Hugging in Delhi, begging in Kerala, thugging in Karnataka…'”

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: During her interaction with businessmen, Union Minister Smriti Irani says, "The condition of the Opposition is that they are fighting in Wayanad. Left parties are saying that why does Rahul Gandhi not go to Uttar Pradesh and contest. But when the… pic.twitter.com/iy1tXVJJaf

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2024

Annie Raja filed her nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad on Wednesday. While the CPI is part of the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, it competes fiercely with the Congress in the state, despite being allies in the opposition INDIA bloc.

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Smriti Irani’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi comes amidst the Congress’s delay in finalizing its candidate for the Amethi seat, historically a stronghold for the party.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi by a significant margin to claim victory in Amethi. While Rahul Gandhi has announced his candidacy from Wayanad, it remains unclear if he will challenge Irani in the upcoming election.

Businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of Priyanka Gandhi, hinted at a potential entry into politics earlier this week, suggesting he might represent the Congress from the Amethi constituency. Vadra stated that the people of Amethi desire a Gandhi family member to represent them in Parliament and expressed openness to fulfilling that expectation.

Robert Vadra jibes at leaders who left Congress; says party to put up good fight in LS polls

April 5, 2024, 9:14 am

In the midst of notable figures departing from the Congress party, Robert Vadra, a businessman and son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, has remarked that these individuals were driven by power and position, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to put up a strong fight in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Vadra emphasized that it’s inaccurate to suggest there’s no faith in the Congress. He pointed out that many of these departing members possess experience but are currently seeking power or electoral tickets without putting in the requisite effort. He stressed the importance of patience and loyalty, noting the contributions the Congress has made to these individuals and their families over generations.

Regarding the recent exits of prominent figures such as Vijender Singh, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Gaurav Vallabh to join the BJP, Vadra highlighted that some leaders depart when they fail to secure electoral tickets. He lamented that such individuals often prioritize personal positions and identities over the party’s contributions to them.

Vadra expressed optimism about the Congress party’s prospects, affirming its commitment to raising concerns, fighting for the people, and focusing on issues such as women’s safety, unemployment, and development.

Addressing his own political aspirations, Vadra indicated a desire to contest in the Lok Sabha polls. He mentioned receiving invitations from MPs of other parties offering support for his candidacy. Vadra also suggested that his potential candidacy from Amethi, a constituency currently represented by Union Minister Smriti Irani, is under consideration, emphasizing the historical association of the Gandhi family with the region.

He highlighted the hard work undertaken during past election campaigns in Amethi, emphasizing the enduring support and camaraderie among the people. Vadra reiterated his commitment to grassroots work and community service, emphasizing his engagement with various social causes.

Regarding the decision on his candidacy from Amethi or Rae Bareli, Vadra deferred to the Congress leadership, indicating that such decisions will be made by the party.

The Congress party, in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, is yet to announce its candidates for the Amethi and Rae Bareli seats in Uttar Pradesh, while Rahul Gandhi is recontesting from Wayanad in Kerala.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.

Robert Vadra expresses his interest to contest in Lok Sabha Election from Amethi

April 4, 2024, 6:13 pm

Robert Vadra, the spouse of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and an entrepreneur, has indicated his interest in entering politics, citing widespread encouragement from people across the nation to contest the Lok Sabha election from Amethi. In an interview with IndiaTV, he mentioned the pressure to join politics, particularly due to his association with the Gandhi family, stating that it’s challenging to stay away from the political arena.

Vadra expressed his readiness to challenge any political leader, including the current MP Smriti Irani, from the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that regardless of the party he aligns with, there is a strong desire among the public to see him in politics. “The people of Amethi expect me to represent their constituency if I decide to become an MP … For years, the Gandhi family worked hard in Rae Bareli, Amethi and Sultanpur. The people of Amethi are really troubled by the current MP, they think they have made a mistake by electing her instead of Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

He criticized Irani for her alleged lack of focus on constituency development and accused her of engaging in divisive politics. Vadra’s remarks coincide with the circulation of his posters on social media, indicating growing public support for his potential political involvement. He believes that the prevailing public sentiment favors his entry into politics as the right person to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

PMLA case: ED seeks confiscation of Sanjay Bhandari’s UK properties

December 30, 2023, 2:46 am

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an application in a Delhi court to seize two properties of Sanjay Bhandari situated in the United Kingdom, one of which is claimed to have been “renovated and inhabited” by Robert Vadra. Sanjay Bhandari is a Main accused of money laundering case. These immovable assets, located at 12, Bryanston Square, and 6, Grosvernor Hill Court, 15 Bourdon Street in London, have been labeled by the agency as “proceeds of crime” and undisclosed foreign assets belonging to Bhandari.

Robert Vadra, aged 54 and the son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has previously refuted direct or indirect ownership of any property in London.
The ED, in its recent filing of the second chargesheet last month, has requested the special court’s authorization to “confiscate” the two properties under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The prosecution complaint was officially acknowledged on December 22, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 29.

Sanjay Bhandari, 61, who purportedly flew away to London in 2016 following an Income Tax department raid in Delhi, is presently challenging a UK government order for his extradition to India. The request for extradition was initiated by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), both agencies investigating money laundering and corruption allegations against him.

Additionally, the Income Tax department is conducting its investigation into Bhandari for alleged undisclosed foreign assets.
As per a new money laundering chargesheet accessed by Media, the ED has alleged that Bhandari “acquired” the Bryanston Square property in 2009 and renovated it “as directed by Robert Vadra, with funds provided by him.”
The ED has identified Sumit Chadha, an accused in this case and a relative of Bhandari, as the current “key holder” of the Bryanston Square asset. Furthermore, another accused, UAE based NRI C C Thampi, has testified before the ED that Robert Vadra “stayed at this property 3-4 times,” as mentioned in the chargesheet.

Vadra has previously dismissed these accusations as politically motivated and a witch hunt against him, asserting that he is being unfairly targeted for political reasons. The ED had previously stated that Bhandari purchased the Bryanston Square property for GBP 1.9 million and sold it in 2010 for the same amount, despite incurring additional expenses of around GBP 65,900 for renovation.

In an official press statement, the ED remarked, “Sanjay Bhandari held various undisclosed foreign income and assets, including properties at 12 Bryanston Square, London, and 6 Grosvenor Hill Court, London. These assets are proceeds of crime as per the provisions of the PMLA, and C C Thampi and Sumit Chadha have been found involved in the concealment and utilization of these proceeds of crime.”

The agency further stated, “Mr. Robert Vadra not only oversaw the renovation of the property at 12 Bryanston Square, London, through Sumit Chadha but also stayed there. Mr. Robert Vadra and C C Thampi acquired a substantial piece of land in Faridabad (near Delhi) and were involved in financial transactions with each other.”

Regarding the Bourdon Street house, the ED indicated that while initially held by Bhandari, ownership was transferred to Chadha, the spouse of his niece Puja Chadha, subsequent to the Income-Tax department’s raid on Bhandari in 2016. Bhandari, who was an Indian tax resident in 2015, is accused of concealing overseas assets, utilizing backdated documents, benefiting from undeclared assets to Indian tax authorities, and falsely denying possession of overseas assets to the authorities, although he has consistently denied these allegations.

ED names Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in money laundering case linked to businessman CC Thampi

December 28, 2023, 12:03 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has, in a noteworthy move, charged Congresswoman Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the first time in the ongoing money laundering investigation involving NRI businessman CC Thampi. In past charge papers pertaining to the same case, the ED had mentioned her husband, Robert Vadra.

According to the ED, the probe discloses that “Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra bought land in Haryana through a Delhi-based real estate agent who also sold land to NRI businessman CC Thampi.”

The ED further claims that Vadra and Thampi had very personal and deep relationship that included common and business interests. Sanjay Bhandari, a fugitive arms trader, is being investigated for money laundering, breaking foreign currency regulations, and breaking the Official Secrets Act. In 2016, Bhandari went to the United Kingdom, allegedly assisted by Thampi and British national Sumit Chadha.

The most recent chargesheet, submitted in November, claims that real estate broker HL Pahwa, who represented Thampi and Vadra in the sale of properties, took funds off the books for the acquisition of the land in Haryana. According to the ED, Vadra failed to pay the entire amount due for the sale, and Pahwa conducted business with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as well.

The ED was informed by Thampi, who was detained in January 2020, that he had known Vadra for more than ten years and that they had met multiple times when Vadra travelled to Delhi and the United Arab Emirates. According to the ED, Thampi purchased 486 acres of land in Faridabad, Haryana, between 2005 and 2008 by using Pahwa’s services.

The ED chargesheet further added, “The investigation revealed that CC Thampi is a close associate of Robert Vadra. Vadra, who not only renovated the property at 12 Bryanston Square, London, through Sumit Chadha but also stayed in the same. Further, Vadra as well as CC Thampi, purchased a huge piece of land at Faridabad and had financial transactions with each other”.

The charge sheet states: “It is necessary to note that Robert Vadra also bought three pieces of land in Amipur from [the same] HL Pahwa in 2005 and 2006, and sold the same land to Pahwa in December 2010.” Additionally, near the village of Amipur, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Robert Vadra’s wife, bought 40 kanals (5 acres) of agricultural land from Pahwa in April 2006 then sold it to Pahwa in February 2010.

The ED contends that Sanjay Bhandari acquired a London property in December 2009, renovated it with funds from Robert Vadra, and states that Vadra stayed there three to four times. The investigation continues to unfold, shedding light on intricate financial transactions and relationships involving prominent political figures.

How to take ₹65L Bribe without raising suspicion: Sonia's daughter & Rahul Gandhi's sister, Priyanka Gandhi bought five acres of land for ₹15L and after four years, sold the same land to the same old owner for ₹80L! https://t.co/f1N1ng0gLR

— Mihir Jha (@MihirkJha) December 28, 2023

Robert Vadra ‘renovated and stayed’ at London property from ‘proceeds of crime’: ED

December 27, 2023, 5:26 am

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday alleged that Robert Vadra, son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, “renovated and stayed” at a London property which is a “proceeds of crime” in a money laundering case against alleged middleman Sanjay Bhandari.
Bhandari fled to the UK in 2016 and the British government approved his extradition to India in January this year acting on the legal request made by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The two federal agencies are probing charges of money laundering and tax evasion against the businessman for holding alleged undisclosed assets abroad. This is the first time that the federal agency has named Vadra in this case.
The ED issued a statement stating that it has filed a fresh charge sheet in this case against C C or Cheruvathur Chakutty Thampi, a UAE-based NRI businessman, and UK national Sumit Chadha.
Thampi was arrested in this case in January 2020 and the ED alleged he was a “close associate” of Vadra. Thampi is currently out on bail.

“Sanjay Bhandari held various undisclosed foreign income and assets including the following properties at no 12 Bryanston Square, London and 6 Grosvenor Hill Court, London.
“These assets are proceeds of crime as per the provisions of the PMLA and C C Thampi and Sumit Chadha have been found to be involved in the concealment and use of these proceeds of crime,” the ED charged.
The probe found, it said, that Thampi “is a close associate of Mr Robert Vadra”.
“Mr Robert Vadra not only renovated the aforesaid property at 12 Bryanston Square, London through Sumit Chadha but also stayed in the same.

“Mr Robert Vadra as well as C C Thampi purchased a huge chunk of land at Faridabad (near Delhi) and had financial transactions with each other,” the ED claimed.
Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has been questioned by the ED in the past and he has denied wrongdoing.
The ED said the Delhi court took cognisance of the supplementary prosecution complaint, filed under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in November, on December 22.

Official sources told PTI that the court also issued summons to Thampi and Chadha after taking cognisance of the charge sheet. It also issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Chadha who has not joined the probe till now despite ED issuing summons to him.
Bhandari’s niece – Puja Chadha – is married to Sumit Chadha, a UK national.

The ED filed the criminal case of money laundering against Bhandari and others in February 2017 taking cognisance of an Income Tax Department charge sheet filed against him under the anti-black money law of 2015.
The ED told the court in its supplementary charge sheet that Chadha “assisted Sanjay Bhandari in concealment, acquisition, possession and use of proceeds of crime and management/ maintenance of properties beneficially owned by accused Sanjay Bhandari.”

“He (Chadha) had various transactions with accused Sanjay Bhandari and his associates. He has been found actively involved in concealing the proceeds of crime,” the ED said in the chargesheet. The court has now listed the matter to be heard on January 29 next year.

‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ resumes from Golya

December 15, 2022, 1:37 pm

Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed from Golya village in Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Thursday. After the foot march on Wednesday a heated discussion happened following former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan’s joining Rahul Gandhi. “it a new dawn filled with new enthusiasm”, “to unite India, we have grown through storms”, the official handle of the foot march campaign tweeted. In the yatra Gandhi siblings Rahul and Priyanka took the lead along with her husband Robert Vadra, and daughter Miraya on Tuesday.

Priyanka Gandhi, Robert Vadra join Bharat Jodo Yatra in Madhya Pradesh

November 24, 2022, 11:16 am

For the first time since the foot march began in September, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband and son joined Rahul Gandhi on Thursday during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the party’s public outreach initiative that is presently travelling across Madhya Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi was seen walking in step with Priyanka Gandhi, her husband Robert Vadra, and their son Rehan.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which started this morning in the Madhya Pradesh village of Borgaon, included participation from senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot as well. Days before the yatra hits the desert state of Rajasthan, Pilot has joined the foot march as calls for a new leadership have resurfaced there.

Addressing the public gathering in Burhanpur on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi said they walk for about eight hours and cover an average of 25 kilometres daily to listen to people’s ‘mann ki baat’.

“We interact with people in between the Yatra. We hear people’s ‘Man ki Baat’ for about eight hours and speak for about 15 minutes. Not like PM’s ‘Man Ki Baat’, we listen to what is on the mind of farmers, youth, women, labourers and small-scale traders throughout the day,” he said.

“We started this journey from Kanyakumari. When we started, the people of the opposition said that India is 3,300 kilometres long and it cannot be done on foot but now we have come to Madhya Pradesh, we will walk about 370 kilometres here. This Yatra will reach Srinagar and our tricolour will be hoisted there, no one can stop it,” the Congress leader added.

On December 4, the yatra will arrive in Rajasthan from Madhya Pradesh after travelling 380 kilometers.

ROBERT VADRA QUIZZED IN BENAMI PROPERTIES CASE, SAYS IT’S VENDETTA POLITICS

January 5, 2021, 3:40 am

Income Tax department officials on Monday questioned Robert Vadra, Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law, in connection with the probe into the ‘benami’ properties case. The questioning went on for over nine hours. However, Vadra called his questioning “vendetta politics” and said that the government is trying to divert attention from the ongoing farmers’ protest.

A team of I-T department sleuths on Monday morning arrived at the Sukhdev Vihar residential premises of Vadra who is married to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Earlier in the day, an I-T department source related to the probe told IANS, “An I-T team is at Vadra’s residence to record his statement in the benami properties matter.”

The team of sleuths left his residence at 6 p.m. The team arrived at his residence as he was unable to join the investigation due to Covid pandemic.

Speaking to the media outside his residence after the team left his house, Vadra said, “I replied to all the questions asked by the I-T department sleuths in nine hours. If they come once again, I will share my answers with them.”

He said that the I-T department questioned him about his business and work and he responded to their queries. He maintained that there is “no tax evasion…whatever the notices and enquiries we get, we answer everything. We are here to answer and cooperate with any agency or anything they ask.”

When asked about the I-T department quizzing him about the benami properties case, Vadra said, “There is nothing related to that, whatever are the queries we will answer.”

On a question if he thinks that it is political vendetta, Vadra said, “Well everybody knows it. Priyanka (his wife) is in politics and is helping the farmers and raising the issues against the government. Then against whom they will come for, definitely it is Robert Vadra… I don’t want to get into politics, they want to digress from the real issues, and I am here to answer every question of all the investigative agencies.”

When pressed further, Vadra said, “Definitely it is a witch hunt, this is going on for a decade. A lot of matters are sub judice and a lot of matters are in court… We are here to cooperate. We have answered everything. It was nothing related to benami property. Justice and truth will prevail. I have nothing to hide and worry. I will always cooperate.”

Vadra is also being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) pertaining to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square, worth 1.9 million pounds. It is alleged that the said property is allegedly owned by Vadra.

He is currently out on anticipatory bail.