UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security.

The <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/bikaner-land-scam-robert-vadra-mother-to-appear-before-ed-in-jaipur-196687">mother-son duo </a>arrived in Jaipur on Monday to be quizzed on an alleged land scam in Bikaner, the state’s border town.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also flew to Jaipur from Lucknow last night to extend support to her husband and mother-in-law.

Priyanka dropped off the mother-son duo at the ED office and left soon after.

On January 22, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench had directed Vadra, Maureen, and his partners in Skyline Hospitality to appear before the ED on February 12 to respond to the allegations of money laundering levelled against his firm.

In November last year, the ED had for the third time issued summons to Vadra and his mother - a partner in the firm- for questioning but none of them appeared. Instead, they moved the High Court seeking a ‘no coercive action’ order and stay of their arrest.

A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner, which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers.

It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions.

It is worth mentioning that in Bikaner land scam fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials got allotted land in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range.

The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 ‘bighas’ of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security. The mother-son duo arrived in Jaipur on Monday to be quizzed on an alleged land scam in Bikaner, the state’s border town. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also flew to Jaipur from Lucknow last night to extend support to her husband and mother-in-law. Priyanka dropped off the mother-son duo at the ED office and left soon after. On January 22, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench had directed Vadra, Maureen, and his partners in Skyline Hospitality to appear before the ED on February 12 to respond to the allegations of money laundering levelled against his firm. In November last year, the ED had for the third time issued summons to Vadra and his mother - a partner in the firm- for questioning but none of them appeared. Instead, they moved the High Court seeking a ‘no coercive action’ order and stay of their arrest. A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner, which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers. It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions. It is worth mentioning that in Bikaner land scam fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials got allotted land in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range. The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 ‘bighas’ of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.

Bikaner land scam: Robert Vadra, mother Maureen Vadra appear before ED in Jaipur

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, and his mother Maureen on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate's zonal office here in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner.

AICC general secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied them to the office and thereafter she left.

They reached ED's zonal office at Bhawani Singh Road in a vehicle escorted by police and other security personnel. Vadra's mother was allowed to leave after some time and he was also permitted to go at around 1.30 pm.

He is expected to return to the office post lunch.

Near the ED office, several banners and hoardings — of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Vadra — were put up.&nbsp;

They also had slogans like "Kattar soch nahi yuva josh" and "Jan jan ki hai yehi pukar, Rahul ji-Priyanka ji abki baar'.

PCC vice president Archana Sharma said she had no information about these posters.

"The party has not put up any such hoardings," she asserted.

This is Vadra's fourth appearance before the agency and first in Jaipur. On last three occasions, he appeared before ED in Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe against him for his alleged role in procuring assets abroad.

The Rajasthan High Court had asked Vadra and his mother to cooperate with the agency after they approached it seeking directions that no coercive action is taken against them by the agency.

In the Bikaner land case, the agency had summoned Vadra thrice but he failed to appear and later approached the court.

The ED had registered a criminal case in connection with the deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and charge sheets filed by Rajasthan police after the tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border.

It is understood that the agency wants to question Vadra about the operations of a firm — Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited — allegedly linked to him, which had purchased land in the area. It also wants to confront Vadra with the statements of those said to be linked to him.

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, and his mother Maureen on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate's zonal office here in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner.

Robert Vadra, Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, and his mother Maureen on Tuesday appeared before Enforcement Directorate's zonal office here in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner. AICC general secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied them to the office and thereafter she left. They reached ED's zonal office at Bhawani Singh Road in a vehicle escorted by police and other security personnel. Vadra's mother was allowed to leave after some time and he was also permitted to go at around 1.30 pm. He is expected to return to the office post lunch. Near the ED office, several banners and hoardings — of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Vadra — were put up. They also had slogans like "Kattar soch nahi yuva josh" and "Jan jan ki hai yehi pukar, Rahul ji-Priyanka ji abki baar'. PCC vice president Archana Sharma said she had no information about these posters. "The party has not put up any such hoardings," she asserted. This is Vadra's fourth appearance before the agency and first in Jaipur. On last three occasions, he appeared before ED in Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe against him for his alleged role in procuring assets abroad. The Rajasthan High Court had asked Vadra and his mother to cooperate with the agency after they approached it seeking directions that no coercive action is taken against them by the agency. In the Bikaner land case, the agency had summoned Vadra thrice but he failed to appear and later approached the court. The ED had registered a criminal case in connection with the deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and charge sheets filed by Rajasthan police after the tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border. It is understood that the agency wants to question Vadra about the operations of a firm — Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited — allegedly linked to him, which had purchased land in the area. It also wants to confront Vadra with the statements of those said to be linked to him.

Bikaner land case: Robert Vadra appears before ED in Jaipur; Priyanka Gandhi accompanies him

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/truth-will-always-prevail-robert-vadra-196349">Robert Vadra</a>, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, is expected to make a fresh appearance before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday in Jaipur in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in the Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner, officials said Monday.

Vadra's mother Maureen is also likely to appear before the<a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/robert-vadra-appears-before-ed-for-third-time-in-money-laundering-case-probe-196168"> central probe agency</a> at about 10 AM at its zonal office on Bhawani Singh Road in Jaipur Tuesday.

The duo landed at Jaipur airport on Monday noon.

This will be the fourth time that Vadra appears before the agency.&nbsp;

On last three occasions,<a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-for-8-hours-on-third-day-of-appearance-before-ed-196278"> he appeared before the ED</a> in Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe against him for his alleged role in procuring assets abroad in an alleged illegal manner.

The Tuesday's appearance before the ED in Jaipur is directed by the Rajasthan High Court which asked Vadra and his mother to cooperate with the agency after they approached it seeking directions that no coercive action is taken against them by the agency.

Officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case will record the statement of Vadra and his mother under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The agency has grilled Vadra for about 24 hours over three sessions last week in the national capital.

In the Bikaner case, the agency had summoned<a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/robert-vadra-questioning-bjp-lists-nine-emails-regarding-london-properties-195837"> Vadra </a>thrice but he failed to appear and later approached the court.

The ED had registered a criminal case in connection with the deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Rajasthan police after the tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border.

The ED, it is understood, wants to question Vadra about the operations of a firm — Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited — allegedly linked to him, which had purchased land in the area. It also wants to confront Vadra with the statements of those said to be linked to him.

The agency was also probing the role of a big steel firm that gave loans to a company that bought the land from firms linked to Vadra at a very inflated price, official sources said.

The agency, in the past, had also raided the premises of people linked to Vadra, like Mahesh Nagar and a few others.

In December 2017, the ED had arrested Ashok Kumar, a close associate of Nagar, and another person, Jaiprakash Bagarwa.

Nagar is said to be associated with Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited, the firm with alleged links to Vadra.

The ED had searched the premises of both Kumar and Nagar in April 2017.

Nagar was the "authorised representative" in four cases of land purchase in Bikaner.

Kumar, the agency alleged, had purchased land in the same area, using the "power of attorney" of others.

The ED probe in the case is related to the purchase of land measuring 275 bigha&nbsp;allegedly by the company in Bikaner's Kolayat area a few years ago. 
The agency has also attached assets worth Rs 1.18 crore of government officials and others in connection with the case under the provisions of the PMLA.

The ED, in the past, had also issued notices to the firm and obtained certain documents from it.

The agency, however, has not mentioned Vadra's name in its FIR filed under the PMLA. The FIR names some Rajasthan government officials and the "land mafia".

Vadra had earlier denied any wrongdoing in connection with the land deal and the Congress had claimed that the case was a result of "sheer political vendetta".

The Rajasthan government had, in January 2015, cancelled the mutations (transfer of land) of 374.44 hectares of land, after the land department claimed to have found that the allotments were made in the names of "illegal private persons".

The tehsildar had said in his complaint that the government land in 34 villages of Bikaner, to be used for expanding the Army's firing range in the area, was "grabbed" by the land mafia with the help of "forged and fabricated documents", in connivance with government officials.

The ED suspects that a huge amount of money was laundered in the case as people bought land at cheap rates through forged documents.

The state government had while cancelling the mutations, said those were not issued by the Commissioner, Colonisation, Bikaner.

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, is expected to make a fresh appearance before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday in Jaipur in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in the Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner, officials said Monday.

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, is expected to make a fresh appearance before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday in Jaipur in connection with a probe into an alleged land scam in the Rajasthan's border town of Bikaner, officials said Monday. Vadra's mother Maureen is also likely to appear before the central probe agency at about 10 AM at its zonal office on Bhawani Singh Road in Jaipur Tuesday. The duo landed at Jaipur airport on Monday noon. This will be the fourth time that Vadra appears before the agency. On last three occasions, he appeared before the ED in Delhi in connection with a money laundering probe against him for his alleged role in procuring assets abroad in an alleged illegal manner. The Tuesday's appearance before the ED in Jaipur is directed by the Rajasthan High Court which asked Vadra and his mother to cooperate with the agency after they approached it seeking directions that no coercive action is taken against them by the agency. Officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case will record the statement of Vadra and his mother under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has grilled Vadra for about 24 hours over three sessions last week in the national capital. In the Bikaner case, the agency had summoned Vadra thrice but he failed to appear and later approached the court. The ED had registered a criminal case in connection with the deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Rajasthan police after the tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border. The ED, it is understood, wants to question Vadra about the operations of a firm — Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited — allegedly linked to him, which had purchased land in the area. It also wants to confront Vadra with the statements of those said to be linked to him. The agency was also probing the role of a big steel firm that gave loans to a company that bought the land from firms linked to Vadra at a very inflated price, official sources said. The agency, in the past, had also raided the premises of people linked to Vadra, like Mahesh Nagar and a few others. In December 2017, the ED had arrested Ashok Kumar, a close associate of Nagar, and another person, Jaiprakash Bagarwa. Nagar is said to be associated with Ms Skylight Hospitality Private Limited, the firm with alleged links to Vadra. The ED had searched the premises of both Kumar and Nagar in April 2017. Nagar was the "authorised representative" in four cases of land purchase in Bikaner. Kumar, the agency alleged, had purchased land in the same area, using the "power of attorney" of others. The ED probe in the case is related to the purchase of land measuring 275 bigha allegedly by the company in Bikaner's Kolayat area a few years ago. The agency has also attached assets worth Rs 1.18 crore of government officials and others in connection with the case under the provisions of the PMLA. The ED, in the past, had also issued notices to the firm and obtained certain documents from it. The agency, however, has not mentioned Vadra's name in its FIR filed under the PMLA. The FIR names some Rajasthan government officials and the "land mafia". Vadra had earlier denied any wrongdoing in connection with the land deal and the Congress had claimed that the case was a result of "sheer political vendetta". The Rajasthan government had, in January 2015, cancelled the mutations (transfer of land) of 374.44 hectares of land, after the land department claimed to have found that the allotments were made in the names of "illegal private persons". The tehsildar had said in his complaint that the government land in 34 villages of Bikaner, to be used for expanding the Army's firing range in the area, was "grabbed" by the land mafia with the help of "forged and fabricated documents", in connivance with government officials. The ED suspects that a huge amount of money was laundered in the case as people bought land at cheap rates through forged documents. The state government had while cancelling the mutations, said those were not issued by the Commissioner, Colonisation, Bikaner.

Bikaner land scam: Robert Vadra, mother to appear before ED in Jaipur

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-for-8-hours-on-third-day-of-appearance-before-ed-196278">Robert Vadra</a>, who was questioned by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-probe-wife-priyanka-says-i-support-my-family-195658">Enforcement Directorate (ED) </a>for three consecutive days last week in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad, said on Sunday that truth will always prevail.

"Morning, Just want to say thank you to all my friends and acquaintances who have reached out in support from all over the nation, at this time," Vadra said in a Facebook post.

Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and husband of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, was questioned for about eight hours by the ED on Saturday as he appeared before the agency for the third consecutive day.

"I'm fine, good and disciplined to deal with anything, I'm put through. 'Truth will always prevail'. Wishing you all a happy Sunday and a healthy week," he said.

He also faced two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7.

While Vadra was quizzed for about five-and-a-half hours on Thursday, he was grilled for about 9 hours the next day.

Vadra has denied the allegations against him.&nbsp;

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra.&nbsp;

These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him.

He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

He is also expected to depose before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an another<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-appears-before-ed-for-third-time-in-money-laundering-case-probe-196168"> money-laundering case </a>related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner.

The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra, who was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for three consecutive days last week in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad, said on Sunday that truth will always prevail.

Robert Vadra, who was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for three consecutive days last week in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad, said on Sunday that truth will always prevail. "Morning, Just want to say thank you to all my friends and acquaintances who have reached out in support from all over the nation, at this time," Vadra said in a Facebook post. Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and husband of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, was questioned for about eight hours by the ED on Saturday as he appeared before the agency for the third consecutive day. "I'm fine, good and disciplined to deal with anything, I'm put through. 'Truth will always prevail'. Wishing you all a happy Sunday and a healthy week," he said. He also faced two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7. While Vadra was quizzed for about five-and-a-half hours on Thursday, he was grilled for about 9 hours the next day. Vadra has denied the allegations against him. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. He is also expected to depose before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Truth will always prevail, says Robert Vadra

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering in the purchase of assets abroad.

Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10.45 am in his private vehicle.

Officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case required Vadra to answer more questions in connection with the case and hence was asked to depose on Saturday, after his two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7. 
W 
hile Vadra was grilled for the first time for about five-and-a-half hours, he was questioned the second time for about 9 hours.

It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency had obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Sources said Vadra's statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done the last two times.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Vadra is also expected to depose before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering in the purchase of assets abroad.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering in the purchase of assets abroad. Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10.45 am in his private vehicle. Officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case required Vadra to answer more questions in connection with the case and hence was asked to depose on Saturday, after his two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7. W hile Vadra was grilled for the first time for about five-and-a-half hours, he was questioned the second time for about 9 hours. It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency had obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Sources said Vadra's statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done the last two times. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday. Vadra is also expected to depose before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra appears before ED for third time in money laundering case probe

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was on Saturday questioned for about eight hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad as he appeared before the agency for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-grills-vadra-for-third-time-in-one-week-in-money-laundering-case-196248">third consecutive day</a>.

Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:45 AM in his private vehicle and left around 8:15 PM. He was given an hour-long break for lunch.

This is the third consecutive day that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-probe-wife-priyanka-says-i-support-my-family-195658">businessman appeared before the agency</a>. It was not immediately clear if he has been asked to depose again.

After two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7, officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case wanted to put across more questions to Vadra in connection with the case and hence he was asked to depose again on Saturday.&nbsp;

While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">Vadra</a> was quizzed for about five-and-a-half hours on Thursday, he was grilled for about 9 hours the next day.

Sources said Vadra was questioned on various aspects of his personal and business finances during the latest session.

It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Sources said Vadra's statement was recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as was done on the last two occasions.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was on Saturday questioned for about eight hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad as he appeared before the agency for the third consecutive day.

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was on Saturday questioned for about eight hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad as he appeared before the agency for the third consecutive day. Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:45 AM in his private vehicle and left around 8:15 PM. He was given an hour-long break for lunch. This is the third consecutive day that the businessman appeared before the agency. It was not immediately clear if he has been asked to depose again. After two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7, officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case wanted to put across more questions to Vadra in connection with the case and hence he was asked to depose again on Saturday. While Vadra was quizzed for about five-and-a-half hours on Thursday, he was grilled for about 9 hours the next day. Sources said Vadra was questioned on various aspects of his personal and business finances during the latest session. It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Sources said Vadra's statement was recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as was done on the last two occasions. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Robert Vadra questioned for 8 hours on third day of appearance before ED

Businessman Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday for the third time in a week in Delhi in a money laundering case.

Vadra, son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, reached ED’s office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi around 10.45 am on Saturday morning.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader and Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu reached Vadra's residence to meet him.

ED officials had quizzed Vadra on Wednesday and Thursday as well.

On Thursday, his questioning started at around 9.20 am. It was only around 9.20 pm that his wife and now Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra reached the ED office and thereafter, the duo headed back to their residence in their heavily guarded convoy as per their entitlements.

Vadra’s lawyer KTS Tulsi alleged that the ED was leaking information about his questioning. He claimed that the probe agency has nothing concrete against his client.

Vadra was questioned for around six hours for the first time on Wednesday.

The probe agency has alleged that Vadra owns several properties in the United Kingdom.

Led by a Joint Director, the ED team comprising a Deputy Director and five other officers questioned Vadra.

The Patiala House court has granted interim bail to Vadra on February 2 till February 16 in connection with the case.&nbsp;

Businessman Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday for the third time in a week in Delhi in a money laundering case. Vadra, son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, reached ED’s office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi around 10.

Businessman Robert Vadra was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday for the third time in a week in Delhi in a money laundering case. Vadra, son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, reached ED’s office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi around 10.45 am on Saturday morning. Earlier in the day, Congress leader and Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu reached Vadra's residence to meet him. ED officials had quizzed Vadra on Wednesday and Thursday as well. On Thursday, his questioning started at around 9.20 am. It was only around 9.20 pm that his wife and now Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra reached the ED office and thereafter, the duo headed back to their residence in their heavily guarded convoy as per their entitlements. Vadra’s lawyer KTS Tulsi alleged that the ED was leaking information about his questioning. He claimed that the probe agency has nothing concrete against his client. Vadra was questioned for around six hours for the first time on Wednesday. The probe agency has alleged that Vadra owns several properties in the United Kingdom. Led by a Joint Director, the ED team comprising a Deputy Director and five other officers questioned Vadra. The Patiala House court has granted interim bail to Vadra on February 2 till February 16 in connection with the case.

ED grills Vadra for third time in week in money laundering case

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

His wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office.

Priyanka had dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday noon.

Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the UK.

It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV around 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the grilling session.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.

A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, have put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days.

His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after Priyanka, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday.

That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule.

Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad. His wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office. Priyanka had dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday noon. Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday. Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the UK. It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said. He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV around 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the grilling session. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing. A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, have put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days. His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after Priyanka, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that. "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday. That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings. On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others. The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari. It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation. Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule. Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Money-laundering case: ED questions Vadra for 9 hours on Day 2

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vadra-appears-before-ed-for-another-day-of-questioning-in-money-laundering-probe-195774">Robert Vadra's questioning</a> by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London.&nbsp;

Alleging that the Gandhi family owns five properties in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said these emails were exchanged between March 8, 2010 and April 17, 2010.

"The first email has been sent by Sumit Chadha, who is relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He has sent it to Robert Vadra only... What tiles should be used in kitchen? How would the bathroom look? All of it is in this email," Patra said.&nbsp;

The email also discussed issues related to painting at one property in London, Patra added.

Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges a political witch hunt against him. He has said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

After the first day of his questioning by ED, his lawyer had said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan had told reporters.&nbsp;

As Vadra's questioning continued for second day Thursday, Patra also talked about another email allegedly sent by Vadra on April 15, 2010, saying Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband wrote in that email, "Hi, was not aware that nothing has reached you. Will look into it at the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Will be in London soon too. You take care."

Patra claimed, "Vadra is explaining that he didn't know that the money has not reached Chadha so he would ask Manoj to immediately sort this out".

"Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him. This establishes a complete trail between Mr B, Deltabhandari, Manoj and Robert Vadra," he claimed.

Patra alleged some mails were marked to an email ID deltabhandari@hotmail.Com, and said Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to answer who were Mr M, Mr B and Deltabhandari.

The BJP spokesperson also listed five properties on London that he alleged were owned by the Gandhi family as per media reports.

"The address of five properties have come before us through media... One is on Wellington Road at St John's Wood in London. This property's cost is around Rs 37 crore. Second property has flat numbers 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and it is on Saratoga Road in London. It looks like there is a property of Gandhi family on each road of London," he alleged.

"You want a house at every place in London so that you can enjoy. You will come here to do photo-ops among the poor of this country. In this new India, every person, big or small, the law will work for everyone the same way," he said.

"Gandhi family will also have to bow down in front of law. The law won't bow to them... The accused have to come before the law and we are seeing that they are coming every day before ED now," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi has said today that if we come to power, we will pick each such RSS person (from the institution) and throw him out. You will throw each RSS or BJP person out, because you need place to keep Rohingyas or Bangladeshis... This is your motive," Patra alleged.

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to Robert Vadra's questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London.

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to Robert Vadra's questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London. Alleging that the Gandhi family owns five properties in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said these emails were exchanged between March 8, 2010 and April 17, 2010. "The first email has been sent by Sumit Chadha, who is relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He has sent it to Robert Vadra only... What tiles should be used in kitchen? How would the bathroom look? All of it is in this email," Patra said. The email also discussed issues related to painting at one property in London, Patra added. Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges a political witch hunt against him. He has said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. After the first day of his questioning by ED, his lawyer had said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan had told reporters. As Vadra's questioning continued for second day Thursday, Patra also talked about another email allegedly sent by Vadra on April 15, 2010, saying Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband wrote in that email, "Hi, was not aware that nothing has reached you. Will look into it at the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Will be in London soon too. You take care." Patra claimed, "Vadra is explaining that he didn't know that the money has not reached Chadha so he would ask Manoj to immediately sort this out". "Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him. This establishes a complete trail between Mr B, Deltabhandari, Manoj and Robert Vadra," he claimed. Patra alleged some mails were marked to an email ID deltabhandari@hotmail.Com, and said Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to answer who were Mr M, Mr B and Deltabhandari. The BJP spokesperson also listed five properties on London that he alleged were owned by the Gandhi family as per media reports. "The address of five properties have come before us through media... One is on Wellington Road at St John's Wood in London. This property's cost is around Rs 37 crore. Second property has flat numbers 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and it is on Saratoga Road in London. It looks like there is a property of Gandhi family on each road of London," he alleged. "You want a house at every place in London so that you can enjoy. You will come here to do photo-ops among the poor of this country. In this new India, every person, big or small, the law will work for everyone the same way," he said. "Gandhi family will also have to bow down in front of law. The law won't bow to them... The accused have to come before the law and we are seeing that they are coming every day before ED now," he said. "Rahul Gandhi has said today that if we come to power, we will pick each such RSS person (from the institution) and throw him out. You will throw each RSS or BJP person out, because you need place to keep Rohingyas or Bangladeshis... This is your motive," Patra alleged.

Robert Vadra questioning: BJP lists nine emails regarding London properties

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11:25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers.&nbsp;

Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom.

His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added.

He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in money laundering case. <a href="https://t.co/a1RajLC4lD">pic.twitter.com/a1RajLC4lD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093418869031497728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office. She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday.&nbsp;

This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters.&nbsp;

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.&nbsp;

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.&nbsp;

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.&nbsp;

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for the second day on Thursday in connection with a probe into allegations that he laundered money to purchase illegal foreign assets. Vadra, who was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday, arrived at the ED office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 11:25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers. Officials said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the United Kingdom. His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as was done Wednesday, they added. He was asked about a dozen questions by a team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case. Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/a1RajLC4lD — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × His appearance before the ED on Wednesday acquired political overtones with his wife Priyanka Gandhi, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanying him to the investigating agency's office. She took charge of her new post at the Congress' national headquarters on Akbar Road after that. "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka Gandhi said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London on Wednesday. This is the first time that Vadra is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings. On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan told reporters. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency also told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others. The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation. The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra on Wednesday to attack the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime. Vadra is also supposed to be present before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in another money laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court had directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Vadra appears before ED for another day of questioning in money laundering probe

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief</a> Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case. <a href="https://t.co/FtSidnpGJ8">pic.twitter.com/FtSidnpGJ8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093180772683517953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobertVadra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RobertVadra</a>'s lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan : He has given an undertaking that he will appear (before Enforcement Directorate) when summoned. <a href="https://t.co/OHKBr86IYZ">pic.twitter.com/OHKBr86IYZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093183127864967168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, in a move seen as sending a political message to Congress' opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Shortly after, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WI8qlLtF0X">pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093096180874203136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office &amp; left soon after. <a href="https://t.co/2RDbaHG5JV">pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093105990340354048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day.

Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee(AICC) headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office for questioning.

Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done.

On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her.

"Congratulations P... Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best,? Vadra said in a Facebook post.

It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

After jostling with a posse of assembled media persons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning.

Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Ahead of the questioning by a team of 3 ED officials, official sources said Vadra will be put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

The court directed him to appear before the ED on Wednesday on his return from London.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive".

The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference.

The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said.

"The ED, Income-Tax Department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him, for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an 'electoral jumla'".&nbsp;

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belongs to Vadra.

A local Congress leader Jagdish Sharma, questioned by the ED, in this case, few weeks ago, was present outside the agency's office after Vadra went in. Talking to newsmen, Sharma alleged that Vadra was being "framed" in the case.

The ED had also carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court.

Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED again on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency. Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/FtSidnpGJ8 — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × #RobertVadra's lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan : He has given an undertaking that he will appear (before Enforcement Directorate) when summoned. pic.twitter.com/OHKBr86IYZ — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, in a move seen as sending a political message to Congress' opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Shortly after, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23. #WATCH Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × #WATCH: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office & left soon after. pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day. Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee(AICC) headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office for questioning. Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done. On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her. "Congratulations P... Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best,? Vadra said in a Facebook post. It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. After jostling with a posse of assembled media persons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning. Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Ahead of the questioning by a team of 3 ED officials, official sources said Vadra will be put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. The court directed him to appear before the ED on Wednesday on his return from London. The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive". The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference. The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said. "The ED, Income-Tax Department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him, for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an 'electoral jumla'". The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belongs to Vadra. A local Congress leader Jagdish Sharma, questioned by the ED, in this case, few weeks ago, was present outside the agency's office after Vadra went in. Talking to newsmen, Sharma alleged that Vadra was being "framed" in the case. The ED had also carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP. The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court. Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged. Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED again on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Robert Vadra questioned by ED for over 5 hours; wife Priyanka says 'I support my family'

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">money-laundering case</a>. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

Vadra was dropped at the ED office by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who left soon after. Priyanka was recently appointed Congress general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Vadra entered the ED office at about 3:47 pm — a team of his lawyers arrived a few minutes before him.&nbsp;

ANI reported that Vadra was being questioned by a team of seven ED&nbsp;officers. ANI reported the ED team was led by a joint director and included the deputy director and five others.&nbsp;

Vadra had been directed to appear before the ED by a Delhi court after he petitioned it for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-grants-interim-bail-to-robert-vadra-in-money-laundering-case-194565">anticipatory bail</a>.

The money-laundering case relates to the purchase, allegedly by Vadra, of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds.&nbsp;

This is the first time that Vadra — Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law — is appearing before a probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WI8qlLtF0X">pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093096180874203136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A Delhi court had earlier granted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">Vadra</a>&nbsp;interim bail till February 16. Vadra had moved the Supreme Court on February 1, again seeking anticipatory bail.

The ED had carried out raids in connection with the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED on February 12 in connection with another money-laundering case being probed by the agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. Vadra was dropped at the ED office by his wife Priyanka Gandhi, who left soon after. Priyanka was recently appointed Congress general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh. Vadra entered the ED office at about 3:47 pm — a team of his lawyers arrived a few minutes before him. ANI reported that Vadra was being questioned by a team of seven ED officers. ANI reported the ED team was led by a joint director and included the deputy director and five others. Vadra had been directed to appear before the ED by a Delhi court after he petitioned it for anticipatory bail. The money-laundering case relates to the purchase, allegedly by Vadra, of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds. This is the first time that Vadra — Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law — is appearing before a probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. #WATCH Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × A Delhi court had earlier granted Vadra interim bail till February 16. Vadra had moved the Supreme Court on February 1, again seeking anticipatory bail. The ED had carried out raids in connection with the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP. Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED on February 12 in connection with another money-laundering case being probed by the agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by 7-man team

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">Pakistan Supreme Court tells </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566"> to stay out of politics, media</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">team</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573"> of 7</a>

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-wont-re-open-brexit-deal-hope-may-will-have-new-proposals-donald-tusk-195619">Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope May has new proposals: European Union</a>

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/with-eight-batsmen-we-should-be-able-to-chase-big-totals-rohit-sharma-195597">India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand</a>

India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-support-supreme-court-verdict-will-lift-ban-on-entry-of-women-says-temple-board-195559">Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple</a>

In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence. Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by team of 7 Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope May has new proposals: European Union European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal. India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match. Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A Delhi court Wednesday extended till February 16 the interim protection from arrest granted to Manoj Arora, a close aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested Special Judge Arvind Kumar that as the next date of hearing in Vadra's case was fixed for February 16, this case too is posted for the same date.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

A Delhi court Wednesday extended till February 16 the interim protection from arrest granted to Manoj Arora, a close aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case.

A Delhi court Wednesday extended till February 16 the interim protection from arrest granted to Manoj Arora, a close aide of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested Special Judge Arvind Kumar that as the next date of hearing in Vadra's case was fixed for February 16, this case too is posted for the same date. The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Delhi court extends interim protection from arrest to Robert Vadra’s aide till February 16 

A day after he moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-moves-delhi-court-seeking-anticipatory-bail-in-money-laundering-case-194472"> money laundering case</a> lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Robert Vadra on Saturday said that he was being subjected to ''false prosecution'' which has a colour of political ''witch-hunt''.&nbsp;

News agency ANI reported him as saying he was being targeted and subjected to false prosecution which has a colour of political witch hunt.&nbsp;

He also said that he is a law-abiding citizen.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Grounds on which Robert Vadra is seeking anticipatory bail in Delhi's Patiala House Court- Vadra says he is being targeted and is being subjected to false prosecution which has a colour of political witch hunt &amp; that he is a law abiding citizen (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/vHaNKURKPc">pic.twitter.com/vHaNKURKPc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091574221682196480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Vadra's anticipatory bail application is likely to be heard by the court on Saturday.

A day after he moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Robert Vadra on Saturday said that he was being subjected to ''false prosecution'' which has a colour of political ''witch-hunt''.

A day after he moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Robert Vadra on Saturday said that he was being subjected to ''false prosecution'' which has a colour of political ''witch-hunt''. News agency ANI reported him as saying he was being targeted and subjected to false prosecution which has a colour of political witch hunt. He also said that he is a law-abiding citizen. Grounds on which Robert Vadra is seeking anticipatory bail in Delhi's Patiala House Court- Vadra says he is being targeted and is being subjected to false prosecution which has a colour of political witch hunt & that he is a law abiding citizen (file pic) pic.twitter.com/vHaNKURKPc — ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2019 × The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Vadra's anticipatory bail application is likely to be heard by the court on Saturday.

Robert Vadra calls his 'false prosecution' a political witch-hunt  

A Delhi Court on Saturday granted interim bail till February 16 to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">Robert Vadra</a> in a money laundering case.

Special judge Arvind Kumar also directed Vadra to appear before the Enforcement&nbsp;Directorate (ED) on February 6 and cooperate with the investigation.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Money laundering case: Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi ensured in Court that Vadra will join the ED investigation on February 6. <a href="https://t.co/1gbGBQo3o8">https://t.co/1gbGBQo3o8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1091617532245692416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Robert Vadra moved Supreme Court On February 1, seeking anticipatory bail in a&nbsp;case related to allegations of money laundering in a purchase of a London-based property.

The property, located at 12, Bryanston Square is worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

Meanwhile, speaking to media before the court hearing&nbsp;Robert Vadra had said that he was being subjected to ''false prosecution''.&nbsp;

A Delhi Court on Saturday granted interim bail till February 16 to Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Special judge Arvind Kumar also directed Vadra to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 6 and cooperate with the investigation.

A Delhi Court on Saturday granted interim bail till February 16 to Robert Vadra in a money laundering case. Special judge Arvind Kumar also directed Vadra to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 6 and cooperate with the investigation. Money laundering case: Robert Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi ensured in Court that Vadra will join the ED investigation on February 6. https://t.co/1gbGBQo3o8 — ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2019 × Robert Vadra moved Supreme Court On February 1, seeking anticipatory bail in a case related to allegations of money laundering in a purchase of a London-based property. The property, located at 12, Bryanston Square is worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, speaking to media before the court hearing Robert Vadra had said that he was being subjected to ''false prosecution''.

Delhi court grants interim bail to Robert Vadra in money laundering case

Robert Vadra Friday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

A lawyer from the prosecution team confirmed that Vadra has sought anticipatory bail in the case in which his close aide Manoj Arora was granted interim protection from arrest till February 6 by the court.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Vadra's anticipatory bail application is likely to be heard by the court on Saturday.

On January 19, the ED had told the court that Arora was cooperating in the probe.

Arora had earlier alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta".

However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"

The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court.

Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, ED had alleged.

&nbsp;

Robert Vadra Friday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A lawyer from the prosecution team confirmed that Vadra has sought anticipatory bail in the case in which his close aide Manoj Arora was granted interim protection from arrest till February 6 by the court.

Robert Vadra Friday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A lawyer from the prosecution team confirmed that Vadra has sought anticipatory bail in the case in which his close aide Manoj Arora was granted interim protection from arrest till February 6 by the court. The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Vadra's anticipatory bail application is likely to be heard by the court on Saturday. On January 19, the ED had told the court that Arora was cooperating in the probe. Arora had earlier alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta". However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?" The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court. Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, ED had alleged.

Robert Vadra moves Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in money laundering case

A Delhi court Friday granted interim protection from arrest in a money laundering case to Manoj Arora, close aide of Robert Vadra, who alleged that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government as a result of "political vendetta."

Arora told the court that since the 2019 general elections were approaching, the NDA government was "unnerved" by the recent assembly election results in which Congress emerged victorious. Vadra is son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has expressed apprehension that Arora might have fled the country, said that if he was in the country, he should come forward and join the investigation.

ED said Arora has not answered the notice served to him and his places have been raided in his absence.

The allegations by Arora's counsel were made before Special Judge Arvind Kumar who provided relief to him and directed him to appear before the ED on Saturday at 3pm.

Senior advocate and Congress leader K T S Tulsi, appearing for Arora, was responding to ED's allegations that the accused might have fled from the country.

He submitted that Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was willing to appear before the agency if he was protected from any coercive action and "torture" as such actions may lead him to make a "false confession".

"There is nothing that I (Arora) have acquired anything... They already have entire record in the case. Further I am willing to give all information I have."

"I am willing to appear before ED but I do not want to be be tortured or coerced to make a false confession. They do not to proceed against anybody else because they want to create and falsify evidence. It cannot be said that I am concealing myself. I am appearing before court through my lawyer," the counsel for Arora said.

However, the ED refuted the allegations, by asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"

"For one month they were aware about the notice, raids. But since an application on NBW was filed by ED, he rushed to the court. We are afraid that you (Arora) have gone out of the country. If you are here, come forward," ED's counsel, D P Singh, said, referring to the application moved by the probe agency which sought an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW).

An open-ended NBW does not carry a time limit for its execution.

According to ED's special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana, the case relates to allegations of money laundering in purchase of a London-based property -- 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pound, which was allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The ED had told the court that it has lodged a money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It said the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," ED said through advocate A R Aditya.

It claimed that NBW against Arora was needed for getting a Red Corner Notice issued against him through Interpol since there were apprehensions that he might have fled the country.

Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of overseas undeclared assets of Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds, it said.

In his application seeking anticipatory bail, Arora has claimed that his wife had appeared before the agency for interrogation in the case and through her, ED officials threatened him to implicate Vadra.

"Some ED officials visited petitioner's wife and threatened her that unless Arora deposes to the desires of the ED officials, specially to the extent of falsely implicating Robert Vadra, the petitioner would be taken to task and would be treated with their degree methods and the officials would ensure that his future and his family's future is doomed in perpetuity," the accused alleged in the application.

He further alleged that his wife was told by the ED officials that if the accused agrees to agency's demands, "then they would also ensure tender of pardon to the petitioner, otherwise the case of the petitioner is already been botched up to an extent that he will never come out of custody".

The ED officials had also sought "confessional statement against his employers, including Vadra, to the suitability of the investigation", he alleged.

ED had on January 5 urged the court to issue open-ended NBW against Arora, saying he failed to appear for questioning despite repeated summonses in the case.

The ED submitted that Arora has been absconding since the search of his premises by the agency.

"It is apprehended that the accused might have crossed the boundaries of the country," the agency argued.

A Delhi court Friday granted interim protection from arrest in a money laundering case to Manoj Arora, close aide of Robert Vadra, who alleged that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government as a result of "political vendetta.

A Delhi court Friday granted interim protection from arrest in a money laundering case to Manoj Arora, close aide of Robert Vadra, who alleged that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government as a result of "political vendetta." Arora told the court that since the 2019 general elections were approaching, the NDA government was "unnerved" by the recent assembly election results in which Congress emerged victorious. Vadra is son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has expressed apprehension that Arora might have fled the country, said that if he was in the country, he should come forward and join the investigation. ED said Arora has not answered the notice served to him and his places have been raided in his absence. The allegations by Arora's counsel were made before Special Judge Arvind Kumar who provided relief to him and directed him to appear before the ED on Saturday at 3pm. Senior advocate and Congress leader K T S Tulsi, appearing for Arora, was responding to ED's allegations that the accused might have fled from the country. He submitted that Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was willing to appear before the agency if he was protected from any coercive action and "torture" as such actions may lead him to make a "false confession". "There is nothing that I (Arora) have acquired anything... They already have entire record in the case. Further I am willing to give all information I have." "I am willing to appear before ED but I do not want to be be tortured or coerced to make a false confession. They do not to proceed against anybody else because they want to create and falsify evidence. It cannot be said that I am concealing myself. I am appearing before court through my lawyer," the counsel for Arora said. However, the ED refuted the allegations, by asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?" "For one month they were aware about the notice, raids. But since an application on NBW was filed by ED, he rushed to the court. We are afraid that you (Arora) have gone out of the country. If you are here, come forward," ED's counsel, D P Singh, said, referring to the application moved by the probe agency which sought an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW). An open-ended NBW does not carry a time limit for its execution. According to ED's special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana, the case relates to allegations of money laundering in purchase of a London-based property -- 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pound, which was allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The ED had told the court that it has lodged a money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It said the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," ED said through advocate A R Aditya. It claimed that NBW against Arora was needed for getting a Red Corner Notice issued against him through Interpol since there were apprehensions that he might have fled the country. Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of overseas undeclared assets of Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds, it said. In his application seeking anticipatory bail, Arora has claimed that his wife had appeared before the agency for interrogation in the case and through her, ED officials threatened him to implicate Vadra. "Some ED officials visited petitioner's wife and threatened her that unless Arora deposes to the desires of the ED officials, specially to the extent of falsely implicating Robert Vadra, the petitioner would be taken to task and would be treated with their degree methods and the officials would ensure that his future and his family's future is doomed in perpetuity," the accused alleged in the application. He further alleged that his wife was told by the ED officials that if the accused agrees to agency's demands, "then they would also ensure tender of pardon to the petitioner, otherwise the case of the petitioner is already been botched up to an extent that he will never come out of custody". The ED officials had also sought "confessional statement against his employers, including Vadra, to the suitability of the investigation", he alleged. ED had on January 5 urged the court to issue open-ended NBW against Arora, saying he failed to appear for questioning despite repeated summonses in the case. The ED submitted that Arora has been absconding since the search of his premises by the agency. "It is apprehended that the accused might have crossed the boundaries of the country," the agency argued.

Court grants protection from arrest to Vadra's aide, directs him to appear before ED 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) moved a Delhi court Saturday seeking issuance of open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Manoj Arora, allegedly a close aide of Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case. The ED’s special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana made the submission before special judge Arvind Kumar who put up the matter for hearing on January 8.

The agency told the court that Arora failed to appear for questioning despite repeated summonses. The ED further claimed that Arora is a key person in the case. He is aware of overseas undeclared assets of Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds for such properties, the agency said. Vadra is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

An “open-ended NBW” does not carry a time limit for execution unlike other non-bailable warrants.

The ED, in its application moved by advocate A R Aditya, claimed that proceeds of crime was used to channelise funds from the UAE to buy a property at 12, Bryanston Square, London, worth 1.9 million pound and allegedly owned by Vadra.

It said the probe was carried out under the Black Money Act.

“Vadra was beneficially controlling the property at 12, Bryanston Square, London, UK, which was valued at 1.9 million pound, and not only executing renovation work of this property but also arranging funds for the same,” the agency said in its application.

According to the agency, the property was bought by Sanjay Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

“This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property,” it alleged.

The ED said in its submission that Arora has been absconding since the search of his premises by the agency.

“It is apprehended that the accused might have crossed the boundaries of the country. Hence, Red Notice through Interpol is required to be issued for which open-ended NBW is necessary,” the agency argued.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) moved a Delhi court Saturday seeking issuance of open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Manoj Arora, allegedly a close aide of Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) moved a Delhi court Saturday seeking issuance of open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Manoj Arora, allegedly a close aide of Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case. The ED’s special public prosecutor Nitesh Rana made the submission before special judge Arvind Kumar who put up the matter for hearing on January 8. The agency told the court that Arora failed to appear for questioning despite repeated summonses. The ED further claimed that Arora is a key person in the case. He is aware of overseas undeclared assets of Vadra and was instrumental in arranging funds for such properties, the agency said. Vadra is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. An “open-ended NBW” does not carry a time limit for execution unlike other non-bailable warrants. The ED, in its application moved by advocate A R Aditya, claimed that proceeds of crime was used to channelise funds from the UAE to buy a property at 12, Bryanston Square, London, worth 1.9 million pound and allegedly owned by Vadra. It said the probe was carried out under the Black Money Act. “Vadra was beneficially controlling the property at 12, Bryanston Square, London, UK, which was valued at 1.9 million pound, and not only executing renovation work of this property but also arranging funds for the same,” the agency said in its application. According to the agency, the property was bought by Sanjay Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. “This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property,” it alleged. The ED said in its submission that Arora has been absconding since the search of his premises by the agency. “It is apprehended that the accused might have crossed the boundaries of the country. Hence, Red Notice through Interpol is required to be issued for which open-ended NBW is necessary,” the agency argued.

Money laundering case: ED seeks open-ended non bailable warrant against close aide of Robert Vadra

The Haryana government has given the permission for further investigation in the alleged land deal corruption case against Robert Vadra and former chief minister BS Hooda, Gurugram Police Commissioner said on Friday.

"We have got the approval (from state government) to probe and the investigation is underway, "Police commissioner KK Rao said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
KK Rao, Gurugram Police Commissioner on the land deal case against Robert Vadra and former Haryana CM BS Hooda: We have got the approval(from state Govt) to probe and the investigation is underway (28.12.18) <a href="https://t.co/SE2rem1Utu">pic.twitter.com/SE2rem1Utu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078867833117966336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Responding to the government's nod for the investigation in the case, former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, "This is on the basis of a private complaint lodged on behest of the government, there is nothing in it. Attempt to defame and play politics".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
BS Hooda, Former Haryana CM on Haryana Govt gives nod to investigate him and Robert Vadra in a land deal case: This is on the basis of a private complaint lodged on behest of Govt, there is nothing in it. Attempt to defame and play politics. <a href="https://t.co/rDYvyl1D6R">pic.twitter.com/rDYvyl1D6R</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078900177027719168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A case had been registered in the Gurugram police station on September 1 against Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi and former chief minister BS Hooda in an alleged land scam.

The case was registered under sections of 420 (cheating), 120 (hatching conspiracy) and 467, 468, 471(forgery) under the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of Surender Sharma, a resident of Tauru in Haryana.

The complainant claimed that a company belonging to Mr Vadra's Skylight Hospitality had cheated people and the government.

The BJP set up a one-man commission to investigate into the matter after it came to power in the state on May 14, 2015.

The commission probed the alleged irregularities in the grant of licence by the Haryana Department of Town and Country Planning to some companies, including those of Robert Vadra in Sector 83 of Gurugram for developing commercial colonies.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Haryana government has given the permission for further investigation in the alleged land deal corruption case against Robert Vadra and former chief minister BS Hooda, Gurugram Police Commissioner said on Friday.

The Haryana government has given the permission for further investigation in the alleged land deal corruption case against Robert Vadra and former chief minister BS Hooda, Gurugram Police Commissioner said on Friday. "We have got the approval (from state government) to probe and the investigation is underway, "Police commissioner KK Rao said. KK Rao, Gurugram Police Commissioner on the land deal case against Robert Vadra and former Haryana CM BS Hooda: We have got the approval(from state Govt) to probe and the investigation is underway (28.12.18) pic.twitter.com/SE2rem1Utu — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Responding to the government's nod for the investigation in the case, former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, "This is on the basis of a private complaint lodged on behest of the government, there is nothing in it. Attempt to defame and play politics". BS Hooda, Former Haryana CM on Haryana Govt gives nod to investigate him and Robert Vadra in a land deal case: This is on the basis of a private complaint lodged on behest of Govt, there is nothing in it. Attempt to defame and play politics. pic.twitter.com/rDYvyl1D6R — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × A case had been registered in the Gurugram police station on September 1 against Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi and former chief minister BS Hooda in an alleged land scam. The case was registered under sections of 420 (cheating), 120 (hatching conspiracy) and 467, 468, 471(forgery) under the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of Surender Sharma, a resident of Tauru in Haryana. The complainant claimed that a company belonging to Mr Vadra's Skylight Hospitality had cheated people and the government. The BJP set up a one-man commission to investigate into the matter after it came to power in the state on May 14, 2015. The commission probed the alleged irregularities in the grant of licence by the Haryana Department of Town and Country Planning to some companies, including those of Robert Vadra in Sector 83 of Gurugram for developing commercial colonies.

Haryana govt permits probe in land deal case involving Robert Vadra, Bhupinder Hooda

The documents found during raids conducted at the premises of close associates of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-planting-evidence-against-vadra-to-divert-attention-from-elections-loss-lawyer-182327">Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate</a> (ED) suggest that he has properties in London and India, sources in the investigative agency claimed on Saturday.

ED officials on Friday carried out searches in Delhi and Bengaluru at the premises of close associates of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

ED sources, who refused to come on record, claimed that the documents found at these premises showed that Vadra, a businessman, has properties abroad, besides in India.

The ED sources said on Friday that the investigating agency has "evidence" that the persons raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers.

Vadra's lawyer Suman Khaitan has said that the ED conducted raids at the behest of the central government to "plant evidence" against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections.

In a statement posted by Vadra on his Facebook page, Khaitan alleged on Friday that "politics of revenge and malicious vendetta has today reached its nadir."

"They (central government) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media.&nbsp;

The documents found during raids conducted at the premises of close associates of Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggest that he has properties in London and India, sources in the investigative agency claimed on Saturday.

The documents found during raids conducted at the premises of close associates of Robert Vadra by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggest that he has properties in London and India, sources in the investigative agency claimed on Saturday. ED officials on Friday carried out searches in Delhi and Bengaluru at the premises of close associates of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. ED sources, who refused to come on record, claimed that the documents found at these premises showed that Vadra, a businessman, has properties abroad, besides in India. The ED sources said on Friday that the investigating agency has "evidence" that the persons raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. Vadra's lawyer Suman Khaitan has said that the ED conducted raids at the behest of the central government to "plant evidence" against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement posted by Vadra on his Facebook page, Khaitan alleged on Friday that "politics of revenge and malicious vendetta has today reached its nadir." "They (central government) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media.

ED in possession of documents about Vadra's foreign properties

Robert Vadra's lawyer on Friday alleged that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-raids-robert-vadras-close-associates-182254">Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids</a> at the premises of close associates of his client at the behest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to plant false evidence against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections.

Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal.

Vadra's advocate Suman Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants.

"They (Centre) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media in Delhi.

"On the basis of law, can they conduct raids without letting us inside? They have locked up people of Sky Light Hospitality inside. They are not allowing them to come out and allowing us in. We have been knocking the door since morning, but they are pretending as if they can't hear us. Is this the rule of law? Is this Nazism? Is this Indian democracy? What I will do if they will plant evidence inside? We don't know who these people are," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Robert Vadra's office Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Sukhdev Vihar where ED was conducting a raid since yesterday. Company's advocate says, "they entered by breaking doors &amp; kept employees locked for 13-14 hours. They have completely ransacked the office" <a href="https://t.co/dEBA26bkVz">pic.twitter.com/dEBA26bkVz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071176549037195264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Khaitan said that the officials raiding properties of Vadra's close aide neither showed any search warrant nor revealed their identities.

"We are presuming it is ED. In the morning, when our lawyers asked them about their identity, they refused to say anything. Is the Indian Constitution not being destroyed? Two days back, I went to the ED and submitted 600-pages documents. Before that on November 26 also I gave the same documents. Since last four-five years, he (Vadra) has been summoned eight to 10 times. Every time we have gone," Khaitan said.

"Did they say they want to interrogate him? No. Did they say he is an accused? No. Did they say I need you as a witness? No. They said you please come and give the documents. I have given them the same. Now, do they want to see his face? If you want to interrogate him or accuse him, then they need to mention that in summon," he added.

Khaitan also informed that Vadra was not present at the spot during the raids.

He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

Vadra had earlier this week alleged that the corruption probe against him is a result of a political witch-hunt aimed at "besmirching his dignity and reputation".

In a Facebook post, Vadra further claimed that the authorities are well aware that there is no case against him and the proceedings are a mere "media circus to distracting the public."

Robert Vadra's lawyer on Friday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of close associates of his client at the behest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to plant false evidence against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections.

Robert Vadra's lawyer on Friday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of close associates of his client at the behest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government to plant false evidence against the businessman to divert attention from the probable loss of recently-held Legislative Assembly elections. Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal. Vadra's advocate Suman Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants. "They (Centre) have not found any evidence since last four-and-half years. So they wanted to come, lock the door, plant evidence today. They will lose elections and to divert attention, they will claim that they found the evidence (which is actually) manufactured and planted," Khaitan told media in Delhi. "On the basis of law, can they conduct raids without letting us inside? They have locked up people of Sky Light Hospitality inside. They are not allowing them to come out and allowing us in. We have been knocking the door since morning, but they are pretending as if they can't hear us. Is this the rule of law? Is this Nazism? Is this Indian democracy? What I will do if they will plant evidence inside? We don't know who these people are," he added. Delhi: #Visuals from Robert Vadra's office Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Sukhdev Vihar where ED was conducting a raid since yesterday. Company's advocate says, "they entered by breaking doors & kept employees locked for 13-14 hours. They have completely ransacked the office" pic.twitter.com/dEBA26bkVz — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Khaitan said that the officials raiding properties of Vadra's close aide neither showed any search warrant nor revealed their identities. "We are presuming it is ED. In the morning, when our lawyers asked them about their identity, they refused to say anything. Is the Indian Constitution not being destroyed? Two days back, I went to the ED and submitted 600-pages documents. Before that on November 26 also I gave the same documents. Since last four-five years, he (Vadra) has been summoned eight to 10 times. Every time we have gone," Khaitan said. "Did they say they want to interrogate him? No. Did they say he is an accused? No. Did they say I need you as a witness? No. They said you please come and give the documents. I have given them the same. Now, do they want to see his face? If you want to interrogate him or accuse him, then they need to mention that in summon," he added. Khaitan also informed that Vadra was not present at the spot during the raids. He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none." Vadra had earlier this week alleged that the corruption probe against him is a result of a political witch-hunt aimed at "besmirching his dignity and reputation". In a Facebook post, Vadra further claimed that the authorities are well aware that there is no case against him and the proceedings are a mere "media circus to distracting the public."

Centre planting evidence against Vadra to divert attention from elections loss: Lawyer

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan.

Vadra, a businessman, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal in Bikaner in Rajasthan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ED Sources: ED has evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. <a href="https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt">https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071021824492929024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: They have locked our people of Skylight hospitality inside, they are not allowing anyone to go inside. Is this nazism? Is this a jail? <a href="https://t.co/uRQvO8nRvY">pic.twitter.com/uRQvO8nRvY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071010172909146113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They locked up the premises from inside and are not allowing any access to those inside, even to the lawyers, he alleged.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ED Sources: Raids were also held at locations in Bengaluru( on locations connected to close aides of Robert Vadra) <a href="https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB">https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071014021980143616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Is this rule of law?... Evidence has been fabricated," he alleged while speaking to reporters.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: It has been 4.5 years and they found nothing, so now they are locking us outside and planting and fabricating evidence <a href="https://t.co/mYsoJUzMts">pic.twitter.com/mYsoJUzMts</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1071011148084867072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the premises of some close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, according to his lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan. Vadra, a businessman, is being investigated by the ED in connection with a land deal in Bikaner in Rajasthan. ED Sources: ED has evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers. https://t.co/zbAZv59uqt — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × Khaitan claimed that the ED officials raided "close associates" and business partners of Vadra in Delhi without even showing any search warrants. Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: They have locked our people of Skylight hospitality inside, they are not allowing anyone to go inside. Is this nazism? Is this a jail? pic.twitter.com/uRQvO8nRvY — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × They locked up the premises from inside and are not allowing any access to those inside, even to the lawyers, he alleged. ED Sources: Raids were also held at locations in Bengaluru( on locations connected to close aides of Robert Vadra) https://t.co/A9uEIsg0rB — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × "Is this rule of law?... Evidence has been fabricated," he alleged while speaking to reporters. Lawyer of Robert Vadra on ED team at three locations connected to close aides of Vadra: It has been 4.5 years and they found nothing, so now they are locking us outside and planting and fabricating evidence pic.twitter.com/mYsoJUzMts — ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2018 × He said a newspaper had reported that that three summons had been served on Vadra by the ED but "we have received none."

Enforcement Directorate raids Robert Vadra's close associates: Lawyer

Days after the ED summoned him in connection with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bikaner-land-deal-case-ed-raids-premises-of-robert-vadras-associates-14443">a </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bikaner-land-deal-case-ed-raids-premises-of-robert-vadras-associates-14443">money laundering</a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bikaner-land-deal-case-ed-raids-premises-of-robert-vadras-associates-14443"> probe in a land scam case</a>, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday termed it a "political witch-hunt" and alleged that government departments were operating on an "agenda to besmirch" his reputation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had summoned Vadra in connection with its money-laundering probe in a land scam case in Rajasthan's border city of Bikaner, officials had said last week.

"The political witch-hunt carries on unceasingly with government departments clearly operating on an agenda to besmirch my dignity and reputation," he alleged in a Facebook post.

Vadra said he had cooperated fully with the government departments for the last four-and-a-half years and would continue to do so.&nbsp;

"On the last occasion they summoned me for documents, my lawyer sat there for three hours and handed over an exhaustive set of documents, yet again. It is indeed strange that I was asked for the very same documents once again even though they had already been furnished over the last few years," he said.

Vadra also alleged that he was sent another summon within 24 hours without the agency even perusing the latest set of 600 documents supplied to it.

"My lawyer has been compelled to appear in Jaipur once more today (no surprise that this is just two days before the polling in Rajasthan). The authorities know perfectly well that there is no case to proceed against me," he said.

Vadra claimed that the authorities wanted to create another "media circus" to distract the public.&nbsp;

"This is nothing but a politically motivated, malicious and baseless prosecution. The truth will prevail some day. It always does," he added.

The central probe agency had registered a criminal case in connection with the land deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Rajasthan Police after the local tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border.&nbsp;

Days after the ED summoned him in connection with a money laundering probe in a land scam case, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday termed it a "political witch-hunt" and alleged that government departments were operating on an "agenda to besmirch" his reputation.

Days after the ED summoned him in connection with a money laundering probe in a land scam case, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday termed it a "political witch-hunt" and alleged that government departments were operating on an "agenda to besmirch" his reputation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had summoned Vadra in connection with its money-laundering probe in a land scam case in Rajasthan's border city of Bikaner, officials had said last week. "The political witch-hunt carries on unceasingly with government departments clearly operating on an agenda to besmirch my dignity and reputation," he alleged in a Facebook post. Vadra said he had cooperated fully with the government departments for the last four-and-a-half years and would continue to do so. "On the last occasion they summoned me for documents, my lawyer sat there for three hours and handed over an exhaustive set of documents, yet again. It is indeed strange that I was asked for the very same documents once again even though they had already been furnished over the last few years," he said. Vadra also alleged that he was sent another summon within 24 hours without the agency even perusing the latest set of 600 documents supplied to it. "My lawyer has been compelled to appear in Jaipur once more today (no surprise that this is just two days before the polling in Rajasthan). The authorities know perfectly well that there is no case to proceed against me," he said. Vadra claimed that the authorities wanted to create another "media circus" to distract the public. "This is nothing but a politically motivated, malicious and baseless prosecution. The truth will prevail some day. It always does," he added. The central probe agency had registered a criminal case in connection with the land deal in 2015, taking cognisance of a clutch of FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Rajasthan Police after the local tehsildar of Bikaner complained about alleged forgery in the allotment of land in the area, considered sensitive due to its proximity to the Indo-Pak border.

Govt depts operating on 'agenda to besmirch' my reputation: Robert Vadra

The BJP Friday alleged that Robert Vadra had put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for revocation of an Income Tax department order penalising a company that gave a loan to another entity to buy his land in Rajasthan.

Dubbing Vadra a "tained son-in-law", BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that in 2010, Vadra's Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd had bought 70 hectares of land for nearly Rs 70 lakh and sold it to another entity, Allegeny Finlease Pvt Ltd, in 2012 for Rs 5.15 crore, "seven times the original cost".

Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BSPL) gave an unsecured loan of Rs 5.64 crore to Allegeny Finlease for buying the same land, he claimed.

During the same time, BSPL had got a tax notice that cited anomalies in its returns from 2004-2005 to 2011-12, and was asked to pay Rs 500 crore for the difference, Patra claimed.

"BSPL wrote to the Settlement Commission of the IT (Income Tax) department appealing against the order, which said the company has to pay Rs 500 crore. The commission also granted no immunity to BSPL against prosecution and penalty," the BJP spokesperson told reporters here.

The Settlement Commission reconstituted a bench that rescinded the earlier order and had asked the company to pay Rs 500 crore, he claimed.&nbsp;

"As Bhushan Steel had given money for buying a plot of land from Robert Vadra, he put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to ask the Income Tax department to waive the penalty and save BSPL from punishment. It is a clear case of corruption," Patra said.&nbsp;

"This is case of quid pro quo between Skylight Hospitality, Allegeny Finlease and Bhushan Steel," Patra said, alleging that unaccounted money has been by misusing the powers.&nbsp;

Patra also targeted former prime minister Manmohan Singh and dubbed him a "puppet PM" for overlooking the "corruption" during his time.

He also asked, "How much did the Gandhis benefit (from this deal)?"

Targeting Vadra, the BJP leader said his modus operandi is to buy land at a cheaper price, change the utility of the land and then sell it at a rate several times the original cost.

When asked what his party did as it was in power both in Rajasthan as well as the Centre, Patra said, the BJP governments investigated the case.&nbsp;

"We came to power in 2013-2014. We investigated it. The whole ball started moving since 2015. In early 2015, we had an FIR registered in Rajasthan against the Bikaner land allotment of Mr Robert Vadra.&nbsp;

"Thereafter, the whole thing is moving smoothly according to the law. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) had talked about the whole thing in 2016. In 2017, notices were issued and people were arrested in 2017. In 2018, the settlement commission issue had been taken up and yet again you see how the ED is moving ahead," Patra said.&nbsp;

The ED has summoned Vadra in connection with its money laundering probe in the land scam case in Rajasthan's Bikaner city, agency officials said Friday.&nbsp;

The BJP Friday alleged that Robert Vadra had put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for revocation of an Income Tax department order penalising a company that gave a loan to another entity to buy his land in Rajasthan.

The BJP Friday alleged that Robert Vadra had put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for revocation of an Income Tax department order penalising a company that gave a loan to another entity to buy his land in Rajasthan. Dubbing Vadra a "tained son-in-law", BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that in 2010, Vadra's Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd had bought 70 hectares of land for nearly Rs 70 lakh and sold it to another entity, Allegeny Finlease Pvt Ltd, in 2012 for Rs 5.15 crore, "seven times the original cost". Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BSPL) gave an unsecured loan of Rs 5.64 crore to Allegeny Finlease for buying the same land, he claimed. During the same time, BSPL had got a tax notice that cited anomalies in its returns from 2004-2005 to 2011-12, and was asked to pay Rs 500 crore for the difference, Patra claimed. "BSPL wrote to the Settlement Commission of the IT (Income Tax) department appealing against the order, which said the company has to pay Rs 500 crore. The commission also granted no immunity to BSPL against prosecution and penalty," the BJP spokesperson told reporters here. The Settlement Commission reconstituted a bench that rescinded the earlier order and had asked the company to pay Rs 500 crore, he claimed. "As Bhushan Steel had given money for buying a plot of land from Robert Vadra, he put pressure on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to ask the Income Tax department to waive the penalty and save BSPL from punishment. It is a clear case of corruption," Patra said. "This is case of quid pro quo between Skylight Hospitality, Allegeny Finlease and Bhushan Steel," Patra said, alleging that unaccounted money has been by misusing the powers. Patra also targeted former prime minister Manmohan Singh and dubbed him a "puppet PM" for overlooking the "corruption" during his time. He also asked, "How much did the Gandhis benefit (from this deal)?" Targeting Vadra, the BJP leader said his modus operandi is to buy land at a cheaper price, change the utility of the land and then sell it at a rate several times the original cost. When asked what his party did as it was in power both in Rajasthan as well as the Centre, Patra said, the BJP governments investigated the case. "We came to power in 2013-2014. We investigated it. The whole ball started moving since 2015. In early 2015, we had an FIR registered in Rajasthan against the Bikaner land allotment of Mr Robert Vadra. "Thereafter, the whole thing is moving smoothly according to the law. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) had talked about the whole thing in 2016. In 2017, notices were issued and people were arrested in 2017. In 2018, the settlement commission issue had been taken up and yet again you see how the ED is moving ahead," Patra said. The ED has summoned Vadra in connection with its money laundering probe in the land scam case in Rajasthan's Bikaner city, agency officials said Friday.

Vadra put pressure on Rahul, Sonia to revoke I-T order to benefit him: BJP

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday broke his silence on the charges of corruption levelled against him by the BJP and said the ruling party had been indulging in a "baseless political witch-hunt" against him for the last four years.&nbsp;

''BJP rakes up my name every time they are cornered whether its falling rupee, soaring oil prices or this latest number when they have been totally exposed selling out nation on Rafale,'' Vadra was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

BJP should tell nation truth about Rafale deal rather than hide behind 'bunch of lies' that people are fed up of hearing, he reportedly told ANI. &nbsp;

Accusing BJP of indulging in a baseless political witch-hunt against him for last 4 years, Vadra said having all the agencies under their beck and call....no one knows better than the present government and the BJP that they have indulged in a baseless political witch hunt against me for the last 4 years.

The BJP dragged the Gandhi family into the intensifying political row over the fighter aircraft deal, with Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat alleging that the U<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-scrapped-rafale-deal-vadras-firm-wasnt-made-middleman-bjp-167508">PA government had called off the multi-billion dollar deal</a> after a private company linked to Vadra was not chosen as a broker.&nbsp;

The Rafale controversy took a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" on selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance as offset partner for the French aerospace giant.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday broke his silence on the charges of corruption levelled against him by the BJP and said the ruling party had been indulging in a "baseless political witch-hunt" against him for the last four years.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday broke his silence on the charges of corruption levelled against him by the BJP and said the ruling party had been indulging in a "baseless political witch-hunt" against him for the last four years. ''BJP rakes up my name every time they are cornered whether its falling rupee, soaring oil prices or this latest number when they have been totally exposed selling out nation on Rafale,'' Vadra was quoted as saying. BJP should tell nation truth about Rafale deal rather than hide behind 'bunch of lies' that people are fed up of hearing, he reportedly told ANI. Accusing BJP of indulging in a baseless political witch-hunt against him for last 4 years, Vadra said having all the agencies under their beck and call....no one knows better than the present government and the BJP that they have indulged in a baseless political witch hunt against me for the last 4 years. The BJP dragged the Gandhi family into the intensifying political row over the fighter aircraft deal, with Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat alleging that the UPA government had called off the multi-billion dollar deal after a private company linked to Vadra was not chosen as a broker. The Rafale controversy took a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" on selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance as offset partner for the French aerospace giant. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.

BJP indulging in political witch hunt against me for 4 years: Robert Vadra 

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of honesty after Congress president Rahul Gandhi threw the "thief" barb at him, the BJP Saturday rejected former French president Francois Hollande's sensational claim on the Rafale deal, saying it does not know under what compulsion he said so.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also said that Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the fighter aircraft, and Reliance had entered into an agreement as early as 2012 when the Congress-led UPA was in power as he refuted the allegation that the Modi government had favoured the Anil Ambani-led company.&nbsp;

Ruling out Gandhi's demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the deal, he told a press conference that it cannot be done merely to satisfy the ego of "an arrogant and ill-informed leader repeating lies after lies".

Prasad also cited statements of the French government and Dassault in which they said Indian and French dispensations had no role in picking the offset partner of the private company, to brush aside the charge of corruption.

He sought to discredit the claim of Hollande, who had said that the Indian government has proposed Reliance as an offset partner, saying that French journalists have spoken about his "conflict of interests". It is none of our concern, he then added.

The BJP leader raked up a number of cases of alleged corruption involving the Gandhi family to launch a stinging attack on the Congress president, saying his family is the "source of corruption" in the country.

No prime minister of India has been spoken of in a manner Gandhi did about Modi, he said, terming his comments as "irresponsible and shameful" and that he had painted his face black with such remarks.

"We cannot expect anything better from Gandhi. He has no quality, no capability and whatever he is he owes to his family... Modi is a symbol of honesty and a global leader," Prasad said, claiming that doors for middlemen and power brokers have been shut under his government.

Gandhi told reporters that "what the ex-President of France is saying is that the Prime Minister of India is a 'thief'. That is what this (Hollande's) statement is saying".

He went to add: "And it is very important for the Prime Minister of India now to either accept Mr Hollande's statement and say Yes, it is the truth -- Mr

Narendra Modi gave the Rafale contract in Rs.30,000 crore to Mr Anil Ambani, or Mr Hollande is not telling the truth and here is the truth."

Prasad said the UPA government terminated negotiations with Dassault after a contract negotiation committee had chosen it as the lowest bidder in 2012 following years of process because the company did not pay it "bribe".

There was pressure on the company for "extraneous considerations", he said, adding that Modi decided to go ahead with the Rafale deal after coming to power in May 2014 as Indian Air Force needed fighter aircraft urgently and the entire exercise had been dragging on for several years.

He also alleged that Gandhi was "helping" Pakistan and had been playing into the hands of India's "enemies", by demanding that the government reveal full price details of the deal.

He said Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi are on bail in a case of corruption, a reference to the National Herald matter, and alleged that his family had taken bribe in the Bofors case.

The country cannot expect any better from a leader who kept quiet while his brother-in-law looted land, Prasad said, in a reference to cases involving Robert Vadra.

Prasad reiterated the government's claim the basic price of Rafale negotiated by it was nine per cent cheaper than what the UPA had agreed to while its fully weaponised version was 20 per cent cheaper.

In 2012, when Dassault signed the agreement with Reliance, the company was led by Mukesh Ambani. Anil Ambani is his younger brother.&nbsp; 
Whatever happened between the two brothers is their matter, Prasad said.&nbsp;

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of honesty after Congress president Rahul Gandhi threw the "thief" barb at him, the BJP Saturday rejected former French president Francois Hollande's sensational claim on the Rafale deal, saying it does not know under what compulsion he said so.

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of honesty after Congress president Rahul Gandhi threw the "thief" barb at him, the BJP Saturday rejected former French president Francois Hollande's sensational claim on the Rafale deal, saying it does not know under what compulsion he said so. Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also said that Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the fighter aircraft, and Reliance had entered into an agreement as early as 2012 when the Congress-led UPA was in power as he refuted the allegation that the Modi government had favoured the Anil Ambani-led company. Ruling out Gandhi's demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the deal, he told a press conference that it cannot be done merely to satisfy the ego of "an arrogant and ill-informed leader repeating lies after lies". Prasad also cited statements of the French government and Dassault in which they said Indian and French dispensations had no role in picking the offset partner of the private company, to brush aside the charge of corruption. He sought to discredit the claim of Hollande, who had said that the Indian government has proposed Reliance as an offset partner, saying that French journalists have spoken about his "conflict of interests". It is none of our concern, he then added. The BJP leader raked up a number of cases of alleged corruption involving the Gandhi family to launch a stinging attack on the Congress president, saying his family is the "source of corruption" in the country. No prime minister of India has been spoken of in a manner Gandhi did about Modi, he said, terming his comments as "irresponsible and shameful" and that he had painted his face black with such remarks. "We cannot expect anything better from Gandhi. He has no quality, no capability and whatever he is he owes to his family... Modi is a symbol of honesty and a global leader," Prasad said, claiming that doors for middlemen and power brokers have been shut under his government. Gandhi told reporters that "what the ex-President of France is saying is that the Prime Minister of India is a 'thief'. That is what this (Hollande's) statement is saying". He went to add: "And it is very important for the Prime Minister of India now to either accept Mr Hollande's statement and say Yes, it is the truth -- Mr Narendra Modi gave the Rafale contract in Rs.30,000 crore to Mr Anil Ambani, or Mr Hollande is not telling the truth and here is the truth." Prasad said the UPA government terminated negotiations with Dassault after a contract negotiation committee had chosen it as the lowest bidder in 2012 following years of process because the company did not pay it "bribe". There was pressure on the company for "extraneous considerations", he said, adding that Modi decided to go ahead with the Rafale deal after coming to power in May 2014 as Indian Air Force needed fighter aircraft urgently and the entire exercise had been dragging on for several years. He also alleged that Gandhi was "helping" Pakistan and had been playing into the hands of India's "enemies", by demanding that the government reveal full price details of the deal. He said Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi are on bail in a case of corruption, a reference to the National Herald matter, and alleged that his family had taken bribe in the Bofors case. The country cannot expect any better from a leader who kept quiet while his brother-in-law looted land, Prasad said, in a reference to cases involving Robert Vadra. Prasad reiterated the government's claim the basic price of Rafale negotiated by it was nine per cent cheaper than what the UPA had agreed to while its fully weaponised version was 20 per cent cheaper. In 2012, when Dassault signed the agreement with Reliance, the company was led by Mukesh Ambani. Anil Ambani is his younger brother. Whatever happened between the two brothers is their matter, Prasad said.

BJP rejects Hollande's claim, says it doesn't know what was his compulsion

The Supreme Court today dismissed the petition filed by a hospitality firm linked to Robert Vadra challenging an Income Tax (I-T) department notice to it for re-assessment of its profits from land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan for 2010-11.

The Delhi-based firm, Sky Light Hospitality LLP, had filed an appeal against the February order of the Delhi High Court which had rejected its petition against the I-T notice.

After a brief hearing, an apex court bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan refused to interfere with the high court's order by which the firm associated with Vadra was directed to join proceedings before the assessing officer.

The I-T department, in a tax evasion report tabled before the high court, had said it had reasons to believe that over Rs 35 crore, earned by the firm in 2010-11, "had escaped from assessment".

The high court had said, "After going through the reasons, we are satisfied that the 'reasons to believe' show and establish a live link and connect with the inference drawn that income had escaped assessment, which is required for issuance of notice."

In the high court, the firm had challenged the I-T department's notice, contending that the "reasons to believe" were mere reasons to suspect and do not establish that income had escaped assessment.

Disagreeing with the firm's contention, the high court had said that "absolute certainty is not required at the time of issue of notice and at the same time, 'reasons to believe' must not be based on mere suspicion, gossip or rumour. The said test and criteria, we have no hesitation in holding, is satisfied in the present case".

"There is evidence and material on record to justify issue of notice," it said.

The high court also said that as long as there was a "honest and reasonable opinion" formed by the assessing officer and the "reasons to believe" are not mere "reasons to suspect", courts should not interject to stop the adjudication process and scrutiny on merits."

The Supreme Court today dismissed the petition filed by a hospitality firm linked to Robert Vadra challenging an Income Tax (I-T) department notice to it for re-assessment of its profits from land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan for 2010-11

The Supreme Court today dismissed the petition filed by a hospitality firm linked to Robert Vadra challenging an Income Tax (I-T) department notice to it for re-assessment of its profits from land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan for 2010-11. The Delhi-based firm, Sky Light Hospitality LLP, had filed an appeal against the February order of the Delhi High Court which had rejected its petition against the I-T notice. After a brief hearing, an apex court bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan refused to interfere with the high court's order by which the firm associated with Vadra was directed to join proceedings before the assessing officer. The I-T department, in a tax evasion report tabled before the high court, had said it had reasons to believe that over Rs 35 crore, earned by the firm in 2010-11, "had escaped from assessment". The high court had said, "After going through the reasons, we are satisfied that the 'reasons to believe' show and establish a live link and connect with the inference drawn that income had escaped assessment, which is required for issuance of notice." In the high court, the firm had challenged the I-T department's notice, contending that the "reasons to believe" were mere reasons to suspect and do not establish that income had escaped assessment. Disagreeing with the firm's contention, the high court had said that "absolute certainty is not required at the time of issue of notice and at the same time, 'reasons to believe' must not be based on mere suspicion, gossip or rumour. The said test and criteria, we have no hesitation in holding, is satisfied in the present case". "There is evidence and material on record to justify issue of notice," it said. The high court also said that as long as there was a "honest and reasonable opinion" formed by the assessing officer and the "reasons to believe" are not mere "reasons to suspect", courts should not interject to stop the adjudication process and scrutiny on merits."

Supreme Court dismisses plea of firm linked to Robert Vadra in I-T case

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel on Wednesday rejected the reports of his meeting with businessman and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi&#39;s brother-in-law Robert Vadra&quot; Robert Vadra.

Speaking to ANI, Hardik said that the reports of his meeting with Vadra were false.

&quot;Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim,&quot; he said.

Hardik&#39;s former aide Dinesh Bambhania yesterday claimed that the Patidar leader had met Vadra at a five-star hotel in October.

Speaking about the Gujarat polls, Hardik said that he always pitched for people&#39;s right and never tried to put anyone down.

&quot;The people of Gujarat need a strong voice to support them. I have always raised my voice for people&#39;s right and asked everyone to fight for their right,&quot; he added.

Hardik has joined hands with the Congress party for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.

Last month, Hardik made headlines after he claimed that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community, if the party comes to power in Gujarat.

Patidars or Patels are an important group in Gujarat, who enjoy great political dominance in the state. (ANI)

'Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim,' said Hardik

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener Hardik Patel on Wednesday rejected the reports of his meeting with businessman and Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra" Robert Vadra. Speaking to ANI, Hardik said that the reports of his meeting with Vadra were false. "Now they are alleging I met Robert Vadra. This is false. After ten days they can even claim I met Nawaz Sharif, then they will say I met Dawood Ibrahim," he said. Hardik's former aide Dinesh Bambhania yesterday claimed that the Patidar leader had met Vadra at a five-star hotel in October. Speaking about the Gujarat polls, Hardik said that he always pitched for people's right and never tried to put anyone down. "The people of Gujarat need a strong voice to support them. I have always raised my voice for people's right and asked everyone to fight for their right," he added. Hardik has joined hands with the Congress party for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections. Last month, Hardik made headlines after he claimed that the Congress has agreed to give reservation to the Patidar community, if the party comes to power in Gujarat. Patidars or Patels are an important group in Gujarat, who enjoy great political dominance in the state. (ANI)

Gujarat elections: Hardik rebuffs report of meeting with Robert Vadra

Robert Vadra today dismissed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-mallya-extradition-hearing-confirmed-for-8-days-from-dec-4-6832"> Vijay Mallya&#39;s comment after the ex-boss</a> of Kingfisher Airlines said he was a &quot;political victim&quot;&nbsp;just like Congress chief Sonia Gandhi&#39;s son-in-law&nbsp;and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh.&nbsp;

Vadra said that he &quot;was a political victim&quot;, but never misused his&nbsp;position.

&quot;Yet again, I came across in the news, where somebody or the other is using my name as crutches, for their personal benefits... This time, none other than Vijay Mallya citing my reference&nbsp;in the UK courts. I would like to remind Mallya, yes I am a political victim, but I never misused my position and have full faith in my country&#39;s judicial system...I never ran away with anyone&#39;s money from the country like him,&quot; Vadra said.

Vadra stated that Mallya should think of coming back to India and face&nbsp;all the legal charges against him.&nbsp;

&quot;My piece of advice to him is please return to India and face all pending legal matters and to clear his dues to the people owed, and last but not the least, please avoid using my name, I do not wish to be associated with you in any matter,&quot; Vadra said.

Vadra has been under the scanner for alleged land deals made in Haryana when the Congress was in power for 10 years.

According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that rather than talking about the case, Mallya&nbsp;tried to distract the officials by stating unsubstantiated reports by the media.&nbsp;

Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India for financial irregularities involving a total amount of Rs 9,000 crore as well as money laundering.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/mallya-20171003115921.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Mallaya has been staying in the UK for over a year now. (Zee News Network)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The businessman appeared before the UK court on Monday where his trial was confirmed for eight days beginning from December 4.

The ED and the CBI have given the necessary documents to the court for his plea against deportation to show that Mallya allegedly duped banks using forged documentation.

In his defense, Mallya said all the money was used for lawful business activities.

Mallya has also claimed that he was subject to 'inhuman jail conditions' and said that members of Congress party are targeting Vadra and Singh for political discord.?

Robert Vadra today dismissed Vijay Mallya's comment after the ex-boss of Kingfisher Airlines said he was a "political victim" just like Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Vadra said that he "was a political victim", but never misused his position. "Yet again, I came across in the news, where somebody or the other is using my name as crutches, for their personal benefits... This time, none other than Vijay Mallya citing my reference in the UK courts. I would like to remind Mallya, yes I am a political victim, but I never misused my position and have full faith in my country's judicial system...I never ran away with anyone's money from the country like him," Vadra said. Vadra stated that Mallya should think of coming back to India and face all the legal charges against him. "My piece of advice to him is please return to India and face all pending legal matters and to clear his dues to the people owed, and last but not the least, please avoid using my name, I do not wish to be associated with you in any matter," Vadra said. Vadra has been under the scanner for alleged land deals made in Haryana when the Congress was in power for 10 years. According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that rather than talking about the case, Mallya tried to distract the officials by stating unsubstantiated reports by the media. Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India for financial irregularities involving a total amount of Rs 9,000 crore as well as money laundering. Mallaya has been staying in the UK for over a year now. (Zee News Network) × The businessman appeared before the UK court on Monday where his trial was confirmed for eight days beginning from December 4. The ED and the CBI have given the necessary documents to the court for his plea against deportation to show that Mallya allegedly duped banks using forged documentation. In his defense, Mallya said all the money was used for lawful business activities.

Mr Mallya, I am a political victim, but never misused my position: Robert Vadra

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) today raided the premises of Robert Vadra&#39;s associates in connection with the Bikaner land deal issue.&nbsp;Robert Vadra who is the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been under the scanner in the land deal for over two years.

The investigation relates to the purchase of 275 bighas(109acres) allegedly by the company in the Kolayat area of Bikaner. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate had said in the complaint that the government land in 34 villages of Bikaner to be used for expanding the army&#39;s firing range in the area was allegedly grabbed by the land mafia operating in the area which prepared forged and fabricated documents with the help of government officials.

Enforcement Directorate officials also searched the house of Vadra&#39;s close aides, Mahesh Nagar and Ashok Kumar&#39;s properties also under the scanner in the controversial land deal case.

Mahesh Nagar is the power attorney holder on behalf Skylight Hospitality, the company which is linked to Vadra.

Raids are currently being conducted in three places in Faridabad, out of which two are located in Buapur village of Faridabad and one in the outskirts of the city.

Last week, the Enforcement Directorate had attached properties worth Rs. 4 crores of individuals linked to Vadra, in connection with the money laundering probe in the Bikaner land deal case.

The ED had also issued a notice to the firm under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;The ED also sent a notice to Vadra&#39;s firm seeking details of its financial and land deals.

The Rajasthan government had cancelled the transfer of land of 374.44 hectares two years ago after the land department claimed to have found that the allotments were made in the names of illegal private persons.

On May 6, 2016, the ED conducted searches of eight premises in Bikaner and nearby areas in connection to the case and registered a money laundering case against certain real estate developers and Rajasthan government officials to probe the Bikaner land scam.&nbsp;

(ANI)

Raids are currently being conducted in three places in Faridabad, out of which two are located in Buapur village of Faridabad

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) today raided the premises of Robert Vadra's associates in connection with the Bikaner land deal issue. Robert Vadra who is the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been under the scanner in the land deal for over two years. The investigation relates to the purchase of 275 bighas(109acres) allegedly by the company in the Kolayat area of Bikaner. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate had said in the complaint that the government land in 34 villages of Bikaner to be used for expanding the army's firing range in the area was allegedly grabbed by the land mafia operating in the area which prepared forged and fabricated documents with the help of government officials. Enforcement Directorate officials also searched the house of Vadra's close aides, Mahesh Nagar and Ashok Kumar's properties also under the scanner in the controversial land deal case. Mahesh Nagar is the power attorney holder on behalf Skylight Hospitality, the company which is linked to Vadra. Raids are currently being conducted in three places in Faridabad, out of which two are located in Buapur village of Faridabad and one in the outskirts of the city. Last week, the Enforcement Directorate had attached properties worth Rs. 4 crores of individuals linked to Vadra, in connection with the money laundering probe in the Bikaner land deal case. The ED had also issued a notice to the firm under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED also sent a notice to Vadra's firm seeking details of its financial and land deals. The Rajasthan government had cancelled the transfer of land of 374.44 hectares two years ago after the land department claimed to have found that the allotments were made in the names of illegal private persons. On May 6, 2016, the ED conducted searches of eight premises in Bikaner and nearby areas in connection to the case and registered a money laundering case against certain real estate developers and Rajasthan government officials to probe the Bikaner land scam. (ANI)

Bikaner land deal case: ED raids premises of Robert Vadra's associates

robert-vadra

Robert Vadra, News on Robert Vadra, stories on Robert Vadra, articles on Robert Vadra, Robert Vadra stories at Wion, Robert Vadra news, Robert Vadra latest news

robert vadra