The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to him in a money-laundering case.
Justice Chander Shekhar also directed Mr. Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora to respond to ED's plea and posted the case for hearing on July 17.
The probe agency has sought quashing of a local court’s April 1 order granting anticipatory bail to Mr. Vadra contending that, “In all likelihood, the respondent (Mr. Vadra) is likely to tamper with the evidence and the witnesses of the case”.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for ED, said the trail court "completely missed the gravity" of the offence."It is a clear case of black money and money laundering...He (Mr. Vadra) was asked to cooperate, he didn't," Mr. Mehta said adding that the agency need Mr. Vadra's custody "otherwise we will not reach the truth". Mr. Mehta said no chargesheet has been filed when enquired by the judge.
In the petition, ED said, “The bald denials to the basic facts, contrary to the records of the case, by the respondent only highlights his non-cooperative and evasive attitude".
The agency said Mr. Vadra instead of dispelling doubts and coming clean about his role in the case, has remained evasive throughout. ED’s case against Mr. Vadra relates to alleged purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds.
“The Special Judge has failed to appreciate that the respondent is a highly influential person. If he is granted a blanket protection of bail, there is all likelihood that the respondent shall tamper with the evidence and would influence witnesses,” the ED said.
This, the agency said, would also be detrimental for the propose of a carrying out the investigation of the instant case with a free hand by the investigating officers on certain crucial aspects of the case.
