ED Files Status Report in Robert Vadra Land Case; Court Seeks Clarity on DLF Role

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday submitted a status report to a Delhi court in a money laundering case linked to the Shikohpur land deal, stating that the role of real estate firm DLF is under investigation.

The report was filed in a sealed cover before Special Judge Sushant Changotra at the Rouse Avenue court. The court noted that the ED is conducting further investigation into the involvement of DLF in the alleged offence.

Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is among the accused. He was granted bail on May 16 after the court took cognisance of the ED's charge sheet on April 16.

During the hearing, Vadra's counsel sought a copy of the status report, but the ED's special public prosecutor, Naveen Kumar Matta, opposed the request, saying he would seek instructions. The court directed that the report remain in a sealed envelope until further orders.

Vadra's counsel also filed an application seeking a translated copy of a sale deed that is in Gujarati script. The court observed that the translated copy had not been provided along with the charge sheet. The ED's prosecutor assured the court that it would be submitted at the next hearing.

Expressing displeasure, the court noted that a specific query raised on April 15 regarding the line of argument adopted by Vadra's counsel had not been addressed in the status report. It directed the ED to provide a categorical response in the next report, which must be forwarded by the concerned Deputy Director.

The matter is currently at the stage of scrutiny of documents filed with the charge sheet. The next hearing is scheduled for August 21.

On April 15, the court had issued summons to Robert Vadra, Keval Singh Virk, and several firms linked to him. These include M/s Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited (now Skylight Hospitality LLP), M/s Sky Light Realty Private Limited, M/s Real Earth Estates Private Limited (now Real Earth Estates LLP), M/s Blue Breeze Trading Private Limited (now Blue Breeze Trading LLP), M/s North India IT Parks Private Limited (now North India IT Parks LLP), M/s Lambodar Art Enterprises India Private Limited (now Lambodar Art Enterprises India LLP), and M/s SGY Properties Private Limited (formerly Onkareshwer Properties Private Limited).

The ED has alleged that Vadra, as a major shareholder (up to 99%) and primary director or partner in these firms, played an active role in the commission of offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the ED, a fraudulent sale deed with a false declaration of consideration was executed between M/s SGY Properties and M/s Sky Light Hospitality, with Vadra being the major beneficiary.

The agency further alleged that proceeds of crime worth Rs 58 crore were generated through a joint venture agreement between M/s Sky Light Hospitality and DLF. The investigation is ongoing.