Robert Vadra summoned in money laundering case linked to Sanjay Bhandari; Delhi court issues notice

New Delhi: A Rouse Avenue court in Delhi has issued pre-cognisance notices to businessman Robert Vadra and other proposed accused in a money laundering case tied to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The move follows the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) filing of a fresh chargesheet on 28 August, naming three individuals and eight companies. The court has asked the ED to furnish copies of the chargesheet to the accused.

The development comes amid parallel legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court, where Bhandari is contesting a trial court order that labelled him a "fugitive economic offender" under the FEO Act, 2018. The order allows the ED to confiscate his Indian assets, reportedly worth over ₹21 crore.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on Friday heard arguments on Bhandari’s plea and listed the matter for continued hearing on 8 August. While Bhandari’s counsel requested a halt to confiscation proceedings and a deferral of the trial, the court clarified that subsequent actions would be subject to the final outcome of the appeal. The ED raised objections over the maintainability of the plea, maintaining that Bhandari evaded Indian law by relocating to the UK in 2016 following income tax raids.

Bhandari is accused of concealing foreign income worth ₹655 crore and evading taxes to the tune of ₹196 crore. The ED’s 2023 supplementary chargesheet also claims that Bhandari purchased and renovated a London property — 12 Bryanston Square — on behalf of Vadra, with renovation funds allegedly provided by him.

Robert Vadra has consistently denied these allegations, asserting he neither owns property in London nor has any financial links to Bhandari. Calling the case a “political witch-hunt,” Vadra alleges the investigations are intended to target him due to his family ties with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Despite a UK court blocking Bhandari’s extradition, Indian agencies have continued their legal pursuit, seeking to enforce financial accountability and prosecute alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
(With agency inputs.)