In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has included Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s name in its chargesheet regarding the purchase of agricultural land in Haryana’s Faridabad. The chargesheet alleges her role in buying the land from Delhi-based real estate agent HL Pahwa in 2006 and later selling it back to him in February 2010. It’s important to note that Priyanka Gandhi has not been named as an accused in the case.
The ED’s investigation also connects Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, Robert Vadra, to the land deal. Vadra, who was mentioned in a previous chargesheet, reportedly purchased three pieces of land from the same agent, Pahwa, between 2005-2006 and sold the land back to him in December 2010.
Notably, the money laundering case involves defense dealer and London-based fugitive Sanjay Bhandari. The ED alleges that Robert Vadra “renovated and stayed” at a London property considered “proceeds of crime” in a money laundering case against Bhandari.
Sanjay Bhandari, who fled to the UK in 2016, faces extradition to Bharat after the British government approved the request by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in January.
The latest charge sheet filed by the ED includes CC Thampi, a UAE-based NRI businessman, and UK national Sumit Chadha. Thampi, described as a “close associate” of Vadra, was arrested in January 2020 and is currently out on bail.
The ED alleges that Bhandari held undisclosed foreign income and assets, including properties in London, which are considered “proceeds of crime”. Thampi and Chadha are accused of being involved in concealing and using these proceeds.
The probe reveals Thampi’s close association with Robert Vadra, claiming that Vadra renovated a London property through Sumit Chadha and also stayed there. Furthermore, Vadra and Thampi are said to have engaged in financial transactions, including the purchase of a significant amount of land in Faridabad near Delhi.
It’s worth noting that Robert Vadra has been questioned by the ED in the past and has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection to these allegations. The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the intricacies of the case.
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