NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, was granted bail by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday in connection with a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the controversial Shikohpur land deal in Gurugram.
Court Grants Bail
The court granted Vadra relief on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with one surety. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 10.
Background of the Case
The case involves alleged irregularities in a land transaction in Haryana’s Shikohpur village. The ED has been investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
After being granted bail, Vadra spoke to reporters, questioning the agency’s functioning while expressing faith in the judiciary. He stated, "I believe in the judicial system of this country. I know that ED is being managed by the Government and the ED will keep on going on the instructions of the Government. So, it's not fair from the ED's side. But I believe in the judicial system of the country. I am here, I have nothing to hide. So, I am always going to be here and answer all the questions. Whatever the formalities are, I will complete them. So, it's all good... If we are winning elections, if we are doing good and people still want my family, by default I am going to have to deal with this. I have the capability to face this. I am fearless and I have nothing to hide."
The Land Transaction
The case stems from a 2008 land transaction involving Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which purchased approximately 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur village from Onkareshwar Properties for about Rs 7.5 crore. The land was later sold to real estate giant DLF for a significantly higher amount after the mutation process and the grant of a commercial licence became subjects of scrutiny.
The Haryana government had earlier ordered inquiries into the deal, with allegations centring on possible irregularities in land licensing and financial gains. The ED subsequently initiated a money laundering probe based on the predicate offence registered in the matter.
Vadra has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the allegations against him are politically motivated.
