Robert Vadra Faces ED Probe, Calls It Political Vendetta
Robert Vadra appeared before the ED in a Haryana land deal case, labeling the probe a political vendetta. Here’s what the investigation reveals.
Robert Vadra Denounces ED Probe as Political Vendetta Amid Fresh Land Deal Allegations
Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, once again finds himself at the heart of a political and legal storm. On Tuesday, he arrived at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office after receiving a second summons linked to a money laundering investigation surrounding a controversial land deal in Haryana’s Shikohpur area.
The case, rooted in a complex web of land transactions from 2008, has resurfaced with renewed scrutiny from the central agency. Vadra, now 56, maintains his innocence and claims the investigation is being weaponized for political gain—an allegation he’s made before. “Nobody is evading anything… I’m here and waiting for a conclusion,” he told reporters while entering the ED premises.
ED Tightens Its Probe into the Shikohpur Land Transaction
According to sources within the Enforcement Directorate, the agency recently uncovered new material that necessitated a second round of questioning. “We need to confront him with fresh evidence,” an official said, indicating that Vadra’s statements would be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED’s interest traces back to a 3.5-acre land purchase made by Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality, in February 2008. Acquired from Onkareshwar Properties for ₹7.5 crore (around $900,000), the land was mutated in Skylight’s favor within a day—an unusually fast process that typically spans months.
Just weeks later, the then Congress-led Haryana government granted Skylight Hospitality permission to develop a residential project, instantly hiking the land’s value. By June 2008, the real estate giant DLF had agreed to buy the plot for ₹58 crore (approximately $7 million), resulting in a nearly 700% increase in value within months.
Vadra Says Agency Being Used to Settle Political Scores
For Vadra, this renewed probe isn’t just about land—it’s about legacy, influence, and the politics of perception. Standing outside the ED office, he didn’t hold back. “Whenever I talk about the real issues or show interest in public service, old cases are dug up to discredit me,” he claimed. Vadra believes that these moves are aimed at silencing not only him but also his brother-in-law, Rahul Gandhi.
“This is not justice; this is political targeting,” he said. “People have encouraged me to step into politics, but every time I make that known, there’s a new summons, a new case.”
His allegations echo a familiar narrative in Indian politics, where investigative agencies are often accused of functioning at the behest of the ruling government. Vadra’s assertion—that the BJP is using central agencies to mute dissent—is not without precedent, especially as multiple opposition leaders have faced similar probes in recent years.
Background: A Decade-Old Case With Political Overtones
The land deal first caught public attention in 2012, and a formal FIR was lodged in 2018. The complaint named several high-profile figures, including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, DLF, and Onkareshwar Properties, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.
Though both Hooda and Vadra have repeatedly denied wrongdoing, the ED and other agencies have kept the case alive, citing inconsistencies and alleged undervaluation of land. Critics argue that the real estate flip by Skylight Hospitality was unethical at best, while supporters claim it followed due process and market norms.
Public Scrutiny and Political Ambitions Intersect
What makes this case more than just a legal inquiry is the public interest surrounding Vadra’s political ambitions. As a prominent member of India’s most well-known political family, any move he makes is under intense scrutiny. His appearances in courtrooms and ED offices are as much about public perception as they are about legal defense.
In the U.S., similar instances often trigger debates around the independence of law enforcement and prosecutorial overreach. In India, where politics and the judiciary frequently intersect, these cases become battlegrounds for larger ideological conflicts.
What’s Next for Vadra?
The ED is expected to continue its probe and may summon more individuals associated with the deal. While Vadra insists he has “nothing to hide,” the implications of the investigation could ripple into both legal and political spheres, especially with elections looming on the horizon.
For now, the businessman-turned-political aspirant awaits what he hopes will be a fair and timely resolution. “I will answer every question. I’m not afraid,” he said. “But I won’t stop speaking up.”
Final Thoughts
Robert Vadra’s reappearance before the Enforcement Directorate isn’t just a footnote in India’s legal annals—it’s a revealing chapter in the ongoing story of political power, accountability, and public trust. Whether this case leads to prosecution or fades into another unclosed file, its impact on public discourse and Vadra’s political future is undeniable.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains clear: in the theater of Indian politics, the courtroom often doubles as the stage.
Disclaimer:
This article is a journalistic reinterpretation of publicly available news and legal developments. It does not imply any legal conclusions or accusations. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
source : The Indian Express