The Enforcement Directorate may again record the statement of Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in connection with its probe into some London-based properties. The agency has already quizzed him thrice this past week.
“We will soon decide the next date for continuing the process of recording the statement. He also has to appear before another probe team pertaining to the Bikaner land case,” said a senior official.
HC directive
As decided by the Rajasthan High Court last month, Mr. Vadra has to join investigations in the Bikaner land case on February 12. The High Court has asked the partners of his company Skylight Hospitality Private Limited to cooperate with the ED in the probe.
Accordingly, Mr. Vadra and his mother Maureen Vadra, as directors of the company, are to appear before the ED. The agency had earlier issued three summonses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
However, the stay on Mr. Vadra’s arrest in the case still continues, according to the High Court directive. The probe is based on cases and charge sheets filed by the Rajasthan Police alleging fraudulent allotment of land meant for resettlement of people displaced by the setting up of the Mahajan Field Firing Range.
The fraudsters, in conspiracy with State government employees, grabbed the land and then sold it. While Mr Vadra has denied all allegations in the case, Skylight Hospitality, one of the buyers, has alleged that it was cheated in the process.
In the London properties’ case, the Directorate has so far questioned Mr. Vadra for more than 20 hours over three days.
Mr. Vadra has alleged that he is being subjected to unwarrantedand malicious criminal prosecution with a political motive. On Sunday, he took to Facebook to thank his friends and acquaintances who had “reached out in support from all over the nation, at this time.” “Truth will always prevail,” he posted.