Robert Vadra Gets Interim Bail In Money Laundering Case, Asked To Join ED Probe 

A Delhi Court on Saturday granted interim bail to Robert Vadra, the husband of newly appointed Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gadhi, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and son-in-law of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, till February 16 in connection with a money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Vadra was directed by the Special Judge Arvind Kumar to join the ED investigation on the evening of February 6. Vadra sought bail claiming that he is a ‘law-abiding citizen’.

The court was hearing Vadra's anticipatory bail plea.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra.

A Delhi court on Jan 19 extended till February 6 the interim protection from arrest granted to Manoj Arora, a close aide of Robert Vadra , in the money laundering case. Arora was already under probe for another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and also under tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Bhandari - Vadra links also reportedly emerged during this investigation

In its plea, the ED claimed that Arora arranged funds for Vadra's undeclared assets overseas. It further alleged that the proceeds of crime were used to channel funds from the UAE. The ED had also sought a red corner notice to prevent Arora from fleeing India.

The role of another close associate of Vadra, arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari is also being investigated in this case. The mansion was allegedly purchased with the help of purchase shares of Bhandari's company- Vortex.

Vadra is a controversial businessman who has been accused of amassing wealth using his family connection with Nehru-Gandhis, who virtually control the Congress party.

Vadra is now the third member of the family who is out on bail. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi themselves are currently out on bail in the National Herald case for allegations of cheating and misappropriation.