New Delhi:
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering probe case relating to alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him, in a white Toyota Land Cruiser along with SPG personnel in tow, and dropped him outside the agency's office in Jamnagar House in central Delhi. She soon left in her convoy of vehicles. Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm even as a team of his lawyers had arrived minutes before him.
This is the first time Vadra, also the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. Vadra has denied these allegations in the past and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi is married to Vadra and was recently appointed as party general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Vadra was directed by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the central probe agency after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in this case. The court had asked him to appear before the ED on Wednesday after returning from London.
WATCH VIDEO | Robert Vadra being questioned by ED over money laundering case
Official sources said Vadra will be put through 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). 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 agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belongs to Vadra. The ED had carried out raids in this 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.
Robert Vadra leaves ED office after being questioned for five hours.
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
Robert Vadra's questioning by the ED is over. The interrogation continued for five hours.
Robert Vadra’s car reaches ED office. Vadra could be out soon.
The ED Director is holding a meeting with other officials at the agency headquarters on the Vadra case. The meeting is held to decide to the next date of questioning.
The questioning of Robert Vadra by could be over soon. The ED will again summon him for questioning as the agency is not satisfied with Vadra's answers.
Vadra told the ED officials that he has not purchased the property and calls himself innocent. Vadra is being shown emails and property documents, sources said. "I do not remember much about the email and I do not know much about Sanjay Bhandari", says Vadra.
The ED has shown the mail and said he had sent the mail to Bhandari. Answering the most questions, Vadra said he does not remember much and will tell once he does.
In the second phase, the documents are being investigated. Sources said Vadra has been asked that if he does not know about the property, then tell the same in writing. Vadra has been asked that he doesnn't know Sanjay Bhandari, then tell this in writing. Vadra has been warned if he makes a wrong statement, he may have to face legal proceedings, sources said.
The ED has been questioning Robert Vadra for more than two hours.
Robert Vadra has submitted documents related to income tax to ED officials.
Robert Vadra's statement is currently being recorded at the ED office. The Enforcement Directorate team led by Joint Director accompanied by Deputy Director and five other officers is questioning Robert Vadra, in connection with a money laundering case.
"I stand by my husband," says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after dropping Robert Vadra at the ED office in New Delhi.
Seven officials of the ED are questioning Robert Vadra at the agency office in New Delhi.
Robert Vadra inside the Enforcement Directorate office, to appear in connection with a money laundering case.
Delhi: Robert Vadra inside the Enforcement Directorate office, to appear in connection with a money laundering case pic.twitter.com/HIiwLYpMou
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019
Watch: Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after.
#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
