Robert Vadra granted bail in ED's money laundering case

NEW DELHI: Delhi-based businessman and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra, was granted bail by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday in the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case linked to the controversial Shikohpur land deal in Gurugram. The court granted him relief on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with one surety, and fixed the next hearing in the matter for July 10. The case relates to alleged irregularities in a land transaction in Haryana’s Shikohpur village and has been under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Speaking to reporters after being granted bail, Vadra questioned the agency’s functioning while asserting his faith in the judiciary. "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 case stems from a 2008 land transaction involving Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which had purchased around 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur village in Gurugram 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 arising from the transaction. The ED later initiated a money laundering probe based on the predicate offence registered in the matter. Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the allegations against him are politically motivated.