National Desk
16 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist Research Analysist
Robert Vadra, a businessman and close relative of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today for the second day in a row. The questioning is part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to a land deal.
His wife, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is also a Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Kerala, accompanied him but did not enter the ED office. Vadra went inside alone to face the questioning.
On Tuesday, the ED questioned him for nearly five hours. According to official sources, the agency recorded Vadra’s statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The questioning is expected to continue on Wednesday.
Vadra has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that the action taken by the ED is politically motivated. “Whenever I speak up for the people, they try to suppress me. I have always answered every question and will continue to do so. BJP is misusing investigative agencies. Even after 20 years of scrutiny, they have found nothing. We are ready for everything,” Vadra said.
The case involves a 2008 land deal where Vadra’s company bought a 3.5-acre plot in Shikohpur, Gurugram, from Omkareshwar Properties for Rs 7.5 crore. Later, the land was reportedly sold to real estate giant DLF for Rs 58 crore.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has also been named as an accused in this case. He was the chief minister at the time of the land deal.
Vadra has claimed that the ED summons are part of a strategy by the BJP to target political opponents using central agencies. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected in the coming days.