In the latest turn of events, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra finds herself named in a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alongside her husband, Robert Vadra. This development is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation that has previously mentioned Robert Vadra multiple times, but it marks the first occasion Priyanka Gandhi’s name is formally linked in an ED chargesheet.
Notably, neither Robert Vadra nor Priyanka Gandhi Vadra faces accusations in this specific case. Instead, the ED has strategically connected Robert Vadra and NRI businessman CC Thampi, who is an accused in the investigation.
The focal point of the case is a land deal in Haryana. The investigative agency alleges that Robert Vadra and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra engaged the services of Delhi-based real estate agent HL Pahwa for the acquisition of land. The ED contends that there exists a substantial relationship between CC Thampi and Robert Vadra, encompassing shared business interests.
To delve into the specifics, the ED asserts that CC Thampi played a pivotal role in aiding fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who had multiple cases against him in India, to escape to the UK in 2016. Moreover, Thampi is alleged to have concealed the proceeds of Bhandari’s illegal activities.
The ED establishes the link between Robert Vadra and CC Thampi by indicating that both individuals acquired land through the same broker, HL Pahwa. The chargesheet highlights that Pahwa made substantial gains through the deal, and Robert Vadra did not fulfill the entire payment for the sale. Intriguingly, HL Pahwa also sold agricultural land to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in April 2006, only to repurchase it from her in February 2010, as detailed in the chargesheet.
Furthermore, the chargesheet implicates Robert Vadra in the renovation of a property in London where Sanjay Bhandari currently resides after fleeing to the UK. It alleges that Vadra contributed funds to the renovation and stayed at the property on three separate occasions. The common link in this London property saga, according to the ED, is CC Thampi, Sumit Chadha, and Robert Vadra.
It’s imperative to note that the ED has consistently maintained, since 2020, that the London property worth 1.9 million pounds belongs to Robert Vadra, and CC Thampi played a significant role in its sale.
In essence, the unfolding details of this ED chargesheet paint a complex picture involving land deals, financial transactions, and international connections. The investigation continues to raise questions about the involvement of high-profile individuals and the intricate web of financial activities.
