‘I have nothing to hide’: Robert Vadra gets bail in Shikohpur land deal-linked money laundering case

New Delhi: Robert Vadra, businessman and husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, was granted bail on Friday in the Shikohpur land deal-linked money laundering case being probed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The relief came after Vadra appeared before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court in response to summons issued in the case. The court had earlier taken cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet filed against Vadra and other accused persons.

Senior Advocate Devdutt Kamat appeared for Vadra along with Advocates Prateek Chaddha and Akshat Gupta.

“I have nothing to hide,” says Vadra

After securing bail, Vadra spoke to reporters outside the court and accused the Enforcement Directorate of functioning under government pressure.

“I believe in the judicial system of the country. I know the Enforcement Directorate is being managed by the Government and the ED will keep acting on the instructions of the Government. I have nothing to hide,” Vadra said.

Calling himself “fearless”, he added that he would continue cooperating with the investigation and answer all questions during the legal proceedings.

What is the Shikohpur land deal case?

The case is linked to a 2008 land transaction involving Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, a company where Vadra had earlier served as a director.

According to the ED, the company purchased around 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur village in Haryana for nearly Rs 7.5 crore in February 2008.

The land was later sold to DLF in 2012 for approximately Rs 58 crore, leading to a sharp rise in value.

The ED alleges that the deal was part of a larger money laundering arrangement involving proceeds of crime and alleged irregular benefits.

Investigators claim that undue favours were extended during the process, including quick land mutation approvals and development permissions that substantially increased the property’s market worth.

High Court hearing challenge to ED chargesheet

The development came a day after the Delhi High Court heard Vadra’s plea challenging the trial court’s decision to take cognisance of the ED chargesheet.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Vadra, argued that the alleged offences dated back to 2008–2012, while some provisions were added to the PMLA schedule only later.

Representing the ED, Advocate Zoheb Hossain opposed the plea, stating that Vadra’s interpretation of the law was incorrect.

Justice Manoj Jain has listed the matter for further hearing on May 18.

ED says investigation is continuing

The court also recorded the ED’s submission that the investigation remains ongoing, particularly regarding the role of other entities named in the FIR connected to the alleged predicate offences.

The court observed that all aspects related to the case should be examined thoroughly to ensure a comprehensive probe.

(With PTI inputs)