The political storm surrounding businessman Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and husband of Priyanka Gandhi, intensified this week as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against him in connection with a controversial Gurugram land deal. The case, which has been under investigation for years, now moves into the judicial scrutiny phase as the Delhi court begins evaluating the charges.
The ₹50-crore Gurugram land deal involves Skylight Hospitality, a company linked to Robert Vadra, and alleged irregularities related to the purchase and resale of land parcels in Shikohpur village, Haryana, during the Congress-led UPA government.
ED’s Allegations and Charges
The Enforcement Directorate, in its prosecution complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), accused Vadra and his firm of purchasing land at undervalued rates using illegal funds and selling it at an inflated price, thereby generating massive profits. The agency alleges that these transactions involved kickbacks and benami assets that were routed through multiple shell companies and offshore entities.
According to the ED, the deal caused financial losses to the public exchequer and violated norms laid out under real estate and anti-money laundering laws. Investigators claim that the land was originally acquired from farmers and later sold to DLF, a real estate major, at a much higher price, with the alleged profits benefiting Vadra’s firm.
The chargesheet, filed before a Delhi court, includes names of multiple accused individuals and supporting documentary evidence. The court has now begun its scrutiny of the document and will decide on whether to summon the accused for trial.
Rahul Gandhi Defends Robert Vadra, Slams ED Action
Soon after the chargesheet was filed, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came out strongly in support of his brother-in-law. Speaking to the media, Gandhi said,
“Robert Vadra has been hounded by the government for the last ten years. Every few months, just before elections, there is a new case, a new summons. This is not justice; this is political harassment.”
He labeled the chargesheet a “political witch-hunt” aimed at tarnishing the image of the Gandhi family and the Congress party. Rahul further alleged that the ruling government was misusing investigative agencies like the ED, CBI, and IT Department to target opposition leaders and their families for political gain.
Gandhi’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions as India prepares for upcoming assembly elections and the 2026 general elections.
Robert Vadra’s Response and Legal Stand
In response to the ED’s move, Robert Vadra issued a brief statement through his counsel, claiming that the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
His lawyer asserted:
“Mr. Vadra has always cooperated with the investigation and has answered every summons issued to him. There is no wrongdoing, and we will fight this legally.”
Vadra has previously undergone multiple rounds of questioning by ED officials in relation to the Gurugram land deal and other foreign property-related investigations. No conviction has been reached in any of these cases so far.
What Is the Gurugram Land Deal Case?
The case revolves around a land purchase deal executed by Skylight Hospitality in 2008–2009, when the Congress was in power in Haryana. The company bought 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur, Gurugram, allegedly for around ₹7.5 crore and later sold it to DLF Ltd for ₹58 crore. Investigators claim that the permissions and licenses were fast-tracked and illegally granted, allowing the land value to skyrocket in a short period.
The ED alleges that the proceeds from this transaction were laundered through a network of companies and individuals connected to Robert Vadra. The Haryana government, now ruled by the BJP, reopened the case and forwarded it to the ED for financial probe.
Political Repercussions
The filing of this chargesheet has reignited the debate over the alleged misuse of central agencies. The Congress party argues that this is an attempt to divert public attention from key issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the recent ethnic clashes in Manipur.
On the other hand, BJP leaders maintain that law is taking its course and deny any political interference. They emphasize that no one is above the law, irrespective of political affiliation or family connections.
What’s Next?
The Delhi court will now scrutinize the ED’s prosecution complaint and determine whether there is enough evidence to initiate formal proceedings. If accepted, the court may summon Robert Vadra and other accused to appear before it.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for both Vadra and the Gandhi family, especially in an election year. For now, the legal battle continues — in courtrooms and on the political stage.
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