The Delhi High Court is set to hear on Monday the Enforcement Directorate’s petition seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to Robert Vadra in a money-laundering case. The ED’s plea is listed for hearing before Justice Chander Shekhar.
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.”
“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,” said the ED’s petition filed through advocate D.P. Singh.
The agency said Mr. Vadra, instead of dispelling doubts and coming clean about his role in the case, had remained “evasive” throughout. The ED’s case against Mr. Vadra relates to alleged purchase of a London-based property worth £1.9 million.
“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 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, the agency said.
