Accompanied By Newly Minted Neta Priyanka Gandhi, Out On Bail Robert Vadra Appears Before ED In Money Laundering Case

Controversial businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of newly appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra , brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, presented himself before the ED (Enforcement Directorate) today afternoon(Feb 6) in connection with a money laundering case.

Dropping all pretense of Vadra being a ‘private citizen, Priyanka, who reportedly returned from the United States two days ago, sent a clear political signal by accompanying Vadra to the ED office in the national capital. Priyanka came in a white Toyota Land Cruiser, accompanied by Special Protection Group personnel in tow and soon left in her convoy of vehicles.

A motley group of Congress cadres assembled outside the agency office were heard shouting slogans like “Desh Ki Aaandhi, Priyanka Gandhi”

Vadra was asked to join investigation by a Delhi court when he had applied for anticipatory bail last week. The court has given him immunity from arrest till February 16.

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.

Enforcement Directorate has filed a case involving a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds (about Rs. 17.60 crore), which is said owned by Mr Vadra. The agency investigators has also informed the court that Vadra owns other properties in London - including two houses worth around 9 million pounds (about Rs. 83.40 crore), six other flats and other properties.

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 also faces allegations that he received undue favours in terms of property from the Haryana government under Bhupinder Hooda.

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.