The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a fresh chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra in a money-laundering case connected to UK-based defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. This marks the first time Vadra has been formally named as an accused in the case.
Vadra Among Nine Accused in ED Complaint
According to ED filings, Vadra is the ninth accused in the chargesheet submitted before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court. Others named include Sanjay Bhandari, Sumit Chhadha, Sanjeev Kapoor, Anirudh Wadhwa, Santech International FZC, Offset India Solutions FZC, Shamlan Gros-1 Inc, and Cheruvathur Chakkutty Thampi.
The court will take up the matter on December 6.
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The chargesheet follows Vadra’s statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in July. He had been summoned twice in the past month but sought deferment citing illness and later international travel with court permission.
What Is the Case About?
Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, is facing three ED investigations, two of which relate to alleged irregular land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan. He was questioned earlier this year regarding a 2008 land deal in Haryana and a separate land transaction in Rajasthan’s Bikaner.
The current case stems from ED’s 2023 findings that Bhandari purchased a property at 12, Bryanston Square, London, in 2009 and renovated it “as per Vadra’s directions.” The agency claims that Vadra financed the renovation.
Vadra has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he does not own any property in London and calling the case politically motivated.
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Sanjay Bhandari Declared Fugitive
Sanjay Bhandari fled India in 2016 following Income Tax raids and was declared a fugitive economic offender earlier this year. A UK court rejected India’s plea to appeal his extradition case, significantly lowering the chances of his return to face trial.
