Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, missed an Enforcement Directorate summons in a money laundering case tied to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He is abroad for his daughter’s graduation. Vadra’s lawyer stated they had informed the court about this prior commitment and denied allegations of evading the ED summons.
Vadra’s lawyer stated that Mr. Vadra has adhered to ED summonses and information requests for a decade. They affirmed his cooperation with authorities and commitment to continuing as a law-abiding citizen. The lawyer dismissed the notion that Vadra’s attendance at his daughter’s graduation is an attempt to avoid ED procedures.
Vadra had missed an ED summons on June 10 due to flu symptoms, but his lawyer clarified he was willing to participate virtually if needed. A new summons for Vadra’s presence in the Delhi investigation was issued by the agency on Monday.
The ED is investigating alleged connections between Vadra and two London properties tied to Bhandari, including one at 12, Bryanston Square, renovated per Vadra’s instructions, allegedly funded and used by him. The properties are under scrutiny as suspected “proceeds of crime” per the PMLA. Vadra refutes any involvement, labeling the accusations a “political witch hunt.”
Bhandari, 61, is under investigation by multiple agencies in India for different violations, including foreign exchange laws and the Official Secrets Act. Two extradition requests for him have been certified by former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. However, his extradition was previously halted this year by the UK High Court due to concerns of potential mistreatment risks in Indian prisons.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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