Daijiworld Media Network- Gurugram

Gurugram, Apr 15: Businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, appeared at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office on Tuesday following a fresh summons related to its investigation into a land deal in Gurugram, Haryana.

Vadra, 56, who is also the brother-in-law of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, arrived to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case in question involves a land purchase made by Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, in February 2008. The plot, located in Shikohpur in Gurugram, was bought for Rs 7.5 cr, but the mutation process—usually a lengthy one—was completed the very next day. Shortly after, Vadra obtained a permit to develop a housing society on the land, causing the land's value to rise. Vadra later sold it to real estate giant DLF in June for Rs 58 cr.

The ED has been investigating whether the significant profits from the deal were a result of money laundering. The transaction occurred when the Congress party was in power in Haryana, with Bhupinder Singh Hooda serving as the Chief Minister.

Earlier in the day, Vadra walked from his residence to the ED office after being summoned. He has dismissed the charges as part of a "political vendetta" and maintained that he has nothing to hide.

Vadra had previously been summoned by the ED on April 8 but had not appeared for questioning. He had also faced questioning in a separate money laundering case in the past.

In an unrelated development on Monday, Vadra expressed his support for the arrest of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, calling it a significant step for the country. He stressed the importance of recovering misappropriated funds from Choksi, who is linked to the massive Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, and compensating those who had been affected by the fraud.

“This is very good news for everyone. If somebody has done wrong, they must be nabbed and brought to book,” Vadra said, commenting on Choksi’s arrest.