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India Today
18-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Why ED has filed chargesheet against Robert Vadra now
Robert Vadra has always been a figure of fascination. Not quite a politician, not quite a recluse either, he has floated somewhere between family man and political liability, the outlier who entered India's most powerful political dynasty through Vadra's long and complicated tryst with investigative agencies has taken a serious turn. On July 17, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against him in the Shikohpur land deal case, marking the first time any central agency has formally accused him in a criminal is no stranger to headlines. From the early days of the Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) rule (2004-14), his real-estate dealings have drawn scrutiny, innuendo and intense political theatre. But a chargesheet is a step up. It transforms the theatre into legal procedure, and speculation into alleged what exactly is this case about, and why now? At the centre of it all lies a 3.53-acre plot in Shikohpur village, Sector 83, Gurugram, Haryana. In February 2008, when Bhupinder Singh Hooda was the state's chief minister, Vadra's company, Sky Light Hospitality, launched just a year ago, purchased the land in Shikohpur village for Rs 7.5 crore from Onkareshwar Properties. The company, incidentally, had only Rs 1 lakh in its bank account at the time. The ED's chargesheet alleges that not only was the cheque issued from another Vadra-linked firm, Skylight Realty, it was never even presented to the land was allegedly mutated in Sky Light Hospitality's favour the very next day, a process that typically takes three months. And within four days of applying for a commercial licence, the Haryana government gave approval. By June 2008, DLF had agreed to buy the same plot for Rs 58 crore. Thus, in just four months, the land's value had appreciated by nearly 700 per Khemka factorIn October 2012, Ashok Khemka, Haryana's famously upright IAS officer, cancelled the land mutation, branding the transaction as a violation of the State Consolidation Act and other procedures. Khemka's action transformed a murky property transaction into a political scandal that Narendra Modi and the BJP weaponised during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, targeting the Congress for its alleged culture of 2018, a full decade after the deal, a first information report (FIR) was filed. It named not just Vadra but also Hooda, DLF and others. The ED's money-laundering case is based on this FIR. The agency now claims the transaction was a textbook case of laundering: undervaluation, forged documentation, political influence and proceeds that cannot be instance, the ED claims that Vadra's firms lacked the financial capacity to purchase the land in the first place. Besides, Omkareshwar Properties, the seller, paid the stamp duty of Rs 45 lakh. Six months later, Sky Light Hospitality paid Omkareshwar Properties Rs 15.38 crore, double the sale deed amount, suggesting what the ED calls 'undervaluation of property' to evade stamp defenceVadra's response has been consistent: this is political vendetta. His office's statement maintains he is a 'law-abiding Indian citizen' who will be 'cleared of any wrongdoing'. He has positioned himself as a victim of the BJP's campaign against the Gandhi family, noting that whenever he or Rahul Gandhi speak against the government, these cases has a point, or at least, a talking point. The case has always appeared politically convenient for the BJP. Vadra's name routinely features in campaign speeches and television debates, often as shorthand for the alleged 'Congress culture' of entitlement and privilege. Vadra has long claimed that he is the soft underbelly through which the BJP seeks to punch wife Priyanka Gandhi is an asset for the Congress—charismatic, combative and often more direct than her brother Rahul. For years, she ensured that the Congress distanced itself from Vadra's legal troubles. Even when the Sky Light Hospitality controversy erupted in 2012, the party offered only muted support. The reason was simple: defending Vadra meant owning his baggage. And for a party already reeling from corruption allegations, the optics were Priyanka always stood by her husband symbolically. She accompanied him to ED offices. She was seen beside him in campaign rallies. But for all the public displays of unity, such as Vadra campaigning in Raebareli or appearing during Rahul's election nominations, he has never been fully embraced by the Congress machinery. And now, with a formal chargesheet against him, Vadra remains what he has long been for the party: its Achilles heel, only more implicationsWith Sonia and Rahul already tangled in the National Herald case, Vadra's troubles round out a triumvirate of tainted Gandhis. Every time Priyanka goes for the jugular, the BJP flashes Vadra like a shield. And in the world of perception, that's often timing, of course, is not incidental. With the monsoon session of Parliament set to begin on July 21, and Opposition parties gearing up to corner the government on a range of issues, including India's global standing after Operation Sindoor, the Vadra case chargesheet gives the BJP a readymade diversion and potent weapon. As the Congress prepares to go on the offensive, the ruling party now holds a fresh arrow in its quiver: as Priyanka is expected to assert herself in Parliament, showing a level of aggression and resolve that many Congress insiders say even surpasses Rahul, the ED has formalised longstanding allegations against her husband. The irony is hard to miss: the same property deals that allegedly brought Vadra immense financial gain during the Congress years now threaten to derail Priyanka's political court is yet to take cognisance of the chargesheet. Meanwhile, Vadra is also under ED scrutiny in two other cases: a controversial land deal in Bikaner and alleged benami London properties linked to arms dealer Sanjay this marks a new chapter. Politically, it's dj vu. But the larger question is this: will this case go the way of most high-profile investigations—loud headlines, long delays and a quiet fadeout? Or will it see a transparent legal end?Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
Mint
17-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Robert Vadra breaks silence on ED chargesheet in Shikohpur land deal case: ‘Looking forward for opportunity to defend..'
Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday filed a charge sheet against Robert Vadra, the businessman husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, he broke his silence and said is looking forward to the opportunity to defend himself and clear his name in Court, reported ANI. "Robert Vadra is aware of reports suggesting that the Directorate of Enforcement has filed a Prosecution Complaint naming him as an Accused before the Rouse Avenue Courts, Delhi. As the Court is yet to even take cognizance of the matter, Mr. Vadra has not had the opportunity to examine the Prosecution Complaint," ANI quoted the office of businessman Robert Vadra as saying. "As a law-abiding Indian citizen, Mr. Vadra has always and will continue to extend his fullest cooperation to the authorities and he is confident that at the end of it all, the truth will prevail and he will be cleared of any wrongdoing. The present proceedings are nothing more than an extension of the political witch hunt by the present government against Mr. Vadra. Mr. Vadra is looking forward to the opportunity to defend himself and clear his name in Court," his office said. Earlier on Thursday, the ED filed a charge sheet against Robert Vadra in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in a land deal in Haryana's Shikohpur. According to the details, this is the first time that any probe agency has filed a prosecution complaint against 56-year-old Vadra in a criminal case. The charge sheet for the controversial land deal case in Haryana's Manesar-Shikohpur (now sector 83) in Gurugram, also includes the names of several other individuals and firms. The charge sheet has been filed against Vadra and some others before a local court here under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), news agency PTI said, quoting sources. The central agency has also attached 43 properties worth ₹ 37.6 Crore belonging to Robert Vadra and his company – Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd. The ED on 8 April had summoned Vadra first time, but he sought another date, expressing his inability to join the investigation at that time. Vadra appeared before the agency on 15 April. The money-laundering case concerns a land deal in Shikohpur of Gurugram, carried out in February 2008 by Skylight Hospitality, a company Vadra was previously a director of. The company is accused of purchasing 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur from Onkareshwar Properties for ₹ 7.5 crore. A Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda was in power at that time. Four years later, in September 2012, the company sold the land to DLF, a realty major, for ₹ 58 crore. The land deal became controversial in October 2012 after IAS officer Ashok Khemka, then posted as the director general of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector-General of Registration of Haryana, cancelled the mutation, categorising the transaction as violative of the State Consolidation Act and some related procedures. Skylight Hospitality and DLF reached an agreement in 2008 to sell the three-acre plot to DLF for ₹ 58 crore. The sale deed was registered in favour of DLF.
Mint
17-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
ED files chargesheet against Robert Vadra in Shikohpur land deal case, properties worth ₹37 Crore attached
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in connection with a money laundering case. This is the first time that any probe agency has filed a prosecution complaint against 56-year-old Vadra in a criminal case. The charge sheet for the controversial land deal case in Haryana's Manesar-Shikohpur (now sector 83) in Gurugram, also includes the names of several other individuals and firms.m The charge sheet has been filed against Vadra and some others before a local court here under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), news agency PTI said, quoting sources. The central agency has also attached 43 properties worth ₹ 37.6 Crore belonging to Robert Vadra and his company – Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd. The agency had summoned Vadra first time on April 8 in the case. However, he sought another date, expressing his inability to join the investigation at that time. Vadra appeared before the agency on April 15. Vadra has earlier claimed the move was part of a 'political vendetta' aimed at silencing him and his brother-in-law, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The case came to light after Haryana cadre IAS officer Ashok Khemka cancelled its mutation, a process reflecting the transfer of property, in October 2012. Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Khemka, who was transferred 57 times, is retiring from service after a 34-year career on April 30. The money-laundering case concerns a land deal in Shikohpur of Gurugram, carried out in February 2008 by Skylight Hospitality, a company Vadra was previously a director of. The company is accused of purchasing 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur from Onkareshwar Properties for ₹ 7.5 crore. A Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda was in power at that time. Four years later, in September 2012, the company sold the land to DLF, a realty major, for ₹ 58 crore. The land deal became controversial in October 2012 after IAS officer Ashok Khemka, then posted as the director general of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector-General of Registration of Haryana, cancelled the mutation, categorising the transaction as violative of the State Consolidation Act and some related procedures.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ED files chargesheet against Robert Vadra in ₹50 crore Gurugram land case, Congress leaders also named in Shikohpur deal probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint equivalent to a chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to a 2008 land deal in Gurugram. Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has been named as an accused in the chargesheet, along with several other individuals and firms. The chargesheet follows a prolonged investigation where Vadra was questioned for over 18 hours. He had earlier appeared before the agency on July 14 for interrogation. Apart from Vadra, several Congress leaders from Haryana were also called in for questioning by the ED. Their statements have now been included in the submitted chargesheet. Details of the land transaction in Shikohpur The ED's investigation centres around a 2008 land deal in the Manesar–Shikohpur area of Gurugram, now part of Sector 83. The land, measuring approximately 3.5 acres, was acquired by Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, a company in which Robert Vadra previously held a directorial position. According to the ED, the company purchased the land for about ₹7.5 crore. Within a few years, the land was sold to real estate major DLF for approximately ₹58 crore, allegedly generating over ₹50 crore in profits for Skylight Hospitality. The ED claims these gains were unlawful and are being examined under money laundering provisions. Mutation cancelled by IAS officer Ashok Khemka The 2008 deal came under the spotlight in 2012 when senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka, then serving as the Director General of Land Consolidation and Land Records in Haryana, cancelled the mutation. He cited violations of the State Consolidation Act and other relevant procedures as the basis for the cancellation. Khemka's intervention led to wider scrutiny of the transaction, which was initially conducted during the Congress-led Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana. The action raised questions about procedural irregularities and alleged misuse of political connections. CBI and ED probe timeline Following Khemka's cancellation of the deal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a corruption case in September 2019. The case named certain public officials in Haryana and other individuals, alleging they were part of a criminal conspiracy to defraud landowners. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate initiated a money laundering probe based on the CBI's findings. The case now culminates in the filing of the chargesheet, with the ED claiming that substantial unlawful profits were made through this land transaction.
News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
ED Files Chargesheet Against Robert Vadra, Others In Shikohpur Land Case
Last Updated: According to the chargesheet, Robert Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, purchased a land parcel of 3.53 acres for Rs 7.5 crore in 2008 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband, Robert Vadra, and several other companies and individuals in the Shikohpur land case. According to the chargesheet, Robert Vadra's company, Skylight Hospitality, purchased a land parcel of 3.53 acres for Rs 7.5 crore in 2008. The same piece of land was later sold for Rs 58 crore without the project being completed. Robert Vadra, who has been named as an accused in the chargesheet, was questioned by the agency for more than 18 hours in connection with the matter. Along with Vadra, several other Congress leaders from Haryana were also questioned. Their statements have been mentioned in the chargesheet. What Is the Shikohpur Land Case Against Robert Vadra? The investigation against Robert Vadra centres on a 2008 land deal in Manesar–Shikohpur (now Sector 83), Gurugram, during the tenure of the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government in Haryana. The land was acquired by Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, a firm where Vadra previously held a directorial role. The company reportedly purchased 3.5 acres for around Rs 7.5 crore. Within a few months, Vadra allegedly earned illegal profits exceeding Rs 50 crore from the transaction. In 2012, Skylight Hospitality sold the 3.53-acre land parcel to real estate giant DLF for approximately Rs 58 crore. The deal sparked controversy in 2012 after senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka, then serving as the Director General of Land Consolidation and Land Records-cum-Inspector General of Registration in Haryana, revoked the mutation. He deemed the transaction in violation of the State Consolidation Act and other applicable procedures. Subsequently, in September 2019, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a corruption case, accusing certain public officials in Haryana, along with other individuals, of defrauding landowners through a criminal conspiracy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) later launched a money laundering case linked to these alleged illicit gains. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 14:49 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
