Robert Vadra Faces Rs.58 Crore Land Scam Charges: ED Files Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against businessman Robert Vadra and two of his close associates over an alleged Rs.58 crore fraudulent Gurugram land deal. Vadra, married to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, is accused of laundering illicit gains from a shady land transaction in Shikohpur, Gurugram.
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Land Deal Under Scrutiny
According to the ED, the transaction generated Rs.58 crore in unlawful gains, which were later routed into various assets. The charges have been filed under multiple sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which carries a possible jail term of three to seven years, along with confiscation of properties identified as “proceeds of crime.”
Associates and Firms Named
Apart from Vadra, cases have been registered against his associates Satyanand Yajee and Kewal Singh Virk. Several companies linked to him—Sky Light Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., Sky Light Realty Pvt. Ltd., and Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. (now SGY Properties Pvt. Ltd.)—have also been named.
Vadra’s Response to Charges
Vadra’s office has dismissed the charges as “nothing more than an extension of the political witch-hunt by the present government.” The first chargesheet in the case was filed on July 17 and is based on a 2018 FIR by Haryana Police, which also named former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and real estate giant DLF Ltd.
Allegations of Forgery and Conspiracy
The case includes accusations of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and corruption. As per ED’s findings, Sky Light Hospitality purchased 3.5 acres from Onkareshwar Properties for Rs.7.5 crore on paper, while the actual price was Rs.15 crore. The cheque mentioned in the deal was never encashed, allegedly to evade Rs.45 lakh in stamp duty.
Quid Pro Quo in Land Licence
ED claims the deal was a quid pro quo arrangement—Vadra’s influence allegedly helped Onkareshwar Properties secure a commercial licence for the land. Notably, only 1.35 acres met the eligibility requirement of two acres, yet officials allegedly manipulated records to include land earmarked for a road, granting the licence unusually fast.
Sale to DLF for Rs.58 Crore
The commercial licence enabled Sky Light Hospitality to sell the land to DLF for Rs.58 crore. The ED alleges irregularities in this process and claims the proceeds were diverted through shell companies.
How the Funds Were Routed
As per ED’s investigation, Rs.5 crore was routed through Blue Breeze Trading Pvt. Ltd., while Rs.53 crore went through Sky Light Hospitality. The money was allegedly used to buy immovable properties, invest in projects, extend loans, and pay off liabilities.
Assets Worth Rs.38.69 Crore Attached
The ED has attached 43 properties worth Rs.38.69 crore, including land in Bikaner, commercial units in Gurugram, Mohali, and Noida, as well as flats in Ahmedabad. Some assets are directly in Vadra’s name, while others are held via his companies Sky Light Realty Pvt. Ltd., Real Earth Estates Pvt. Ltd., and Artex.
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