Published 12:03 IST, September 25th 2019
Robert Vadra opposes ED's plea challenging his anticipatory bail
The son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, Robert Vadra, has opposed the Enforcement Directorate's plea challenging his anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.
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Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, has opposed the Enforcement Directorate's plea challenging his anticipatory bail in the ongoing money laundering case. He was accused by the ED of non-cooperation, however, he said that there has been no instance where he has tried to escape investigation or tampered with any evidence. On the other hand, he claimed, that the ED has already seized all his documents required for the case which does not leave any room for tampering. He also said that ED was conducting a fishing and roving inquiry and has no material to support the allegations made against him. The matter will now be heard in the court on September 26.
Vadra’s response to ED challenging his anticipatory bail in the court
Vadra's anticipatory bail was challenged by ED, on the grounds of non-cooperation in the investigation. Regarding the allegation of flight risk, Vadra’s response stated that he had no intention to flee. The response read, "The conduct of the respondent (Vadra) in returning to India from abroad voluntarily upon reading press reports that ED was investigating him made it abundantly clear that Vadra had no intention whatsoever of fleeing the country and was determined to stay in India and clear the name." Even though he was yet to receive the summons, Vadra’s response claimed that he volunteered to appear before the probe agency.
The response filed by Robert Vadra also claimed that, "Vadra has no properties outside India whatsoever nor does he have any beneficial ownership of any property outside India." Additionally, it said that Vadra never received any 'kickback' for any 'deal'. It also opposed ED’s challenge by saying that any allegations of this nature are completely false. Vadra also claimed that the sole purpose of the agency is to cause prejudice in the mind of court and the public against Vadra.
The money laundering case against Vadra
The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency had told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being 'hounded and harassed' to subserve political ends.
(With PTI Inputs)
11:13 IST, September 25th 2019