News Brief
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Name Linked To Money Laundering Case Involving NRI Businessman Thampi, By Enforcement Directorate
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
In a significant development, media reports on 28 December have revealed that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's name has been linked to the ongoing money laundering case involving non-resident Indian businessman C C Thampi.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly cited her involvement in the case, where her husband Robert Vadra's name is already mentioned in the charge sheet.
The ED has specifically pointed to Priyanka Gandhi's role in the acquisition of a 40-kanal (five acres) plot of agricultural land in Haryana's Faridabad from a Delhi-based realtor.
The agency has connected this land deal to Thampi, stating that both Vadra and Thampi bought land from the same real estate agent.
The case revolves around fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who fled India in 2006 and is being investigated for alleged money laundering, violations of foreign exchange laws, and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.
The ED's statement indicates that Thampi, a UAE-based businessman, acted as a facilitator in the land deal and is accused of assisting Bhandari in hiding the proceeds of crime.
Thampi, along with British national Sumit Chadha, is under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in these financial transactions.
The connection between Vadra and Thampi is described as having "long and thick" ties, encompassing both common and business interests.
Thampi, who was arrested in 2020 but is currently out on bail, is reported to have known Vadra for over a decade, with the ED alleging that he is a "close associate" of the Congress leader's husband.
The broader investigation indicates that realtor H L Pahwa also played a pivotal role in these transactions, having sold properties to both Vadra and Thampi.
The ED alleges that Pahwa received cash off the books for the land purchase in Haryana and that Vadra did not fulfill the full payment for the property.
Additionally, it is reported that Pahwa had sold agricultural land to Priyanka Gandhi in 2006, only to buy it back from her in 2010.
While Robert Vadra has been previously investigated by the ED in connection with this case, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
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