PMLA case: ED moves Delhi HC against Robert Vadra bail

The ED has levelled allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds which is reportedly owned by Vadra.

It has alleged that Manoj Arora, an employee of Mr Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case. ED contended that Mr Arora was aware of overseas undeclared assets of Mr Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds.

The agency has submitted that Mr Arora arranged funds for Vadra's undeclared assets overseas and proceeds of crime were used to channel funds from the United Arab Emirates and for alleged irregularities in land deals in Gurugram, Haryana.

Links

An FIR was lodged against Vadra and Haryana's former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in the month of September last year. Mr Vadra has faced allegations that his company Skylight Hospitality sold 3.5 acres of land in 2008 in Shikohpur village to realty major DLF at a rate much higher than the prevalent. Questions have also been raised over the purchase and subsequent sale of land by the company in Bikaner, Rajasthan, at a significant premium through a maze of transactions.

The business premises linked to Mr Vadra's associates have been raided during the probe and Enforcement Directorate has asked him to be present for questioning in the alleged money laundering case.

ED submitted that the money laundering case was lodged against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari by the Income Tax Department under the Black Money Act and tax laws .

Non-cooperation

Directorate of Enforcement earlier said that Robert Vadra was not cooperating with the investigating agency so his custodial interrogation was required in the probe. Counsel for ED said that information was received about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Mr Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds each, six flats and other real estate.

On April 1, Special Judge Arvind Kumar had granted bail to Manoj Arora and Mr Vadra with the conditions of furnishing a surety bond of Rs 5 lac and a surety of the same amount. The Judge further directed Vadra not to leave the country without permission of the court and not tamper with the evidence.

Counsel for ED submitted through petition before the High Court that protection granted through bail to Vadra would be detrimental for the purpose of investigation. Directorate of Enforcement also challenged the anticipatory bail granted to Manoj Arora co-accused in the case because of the risk of tampering with evidence.