Probe Agency Submits Status Report In Robert Vadra's Shikohpur Land Deal Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday submitted a status report before the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the money laundering case linked to the Shikohpur land deal, informing the court that further investigation is underway into the role of real estate developer DLF. The report was filed in a sealed cover before Special Judge Sushant Changotra as the agency continues its probe into the high-profile case, in which businessman Robert Vadra is among the accused.

According to court proceedings, the ED stated in its status report that the investigation remains ongoing, particularly with regard to the alleged role of M/s DLF in the transaction under scrutiny. The court took note of the agency's submission, indicating that additional aspects of the case are still being examined before the investigation reaches its conclusion. The details of the report were not disclosed publicly as it was submitted in a sealed cover.

Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is one of the accused named in the ED's money laundering case. He was granted bail by the court on May 16 after appearing in connection with the proceedings. Earlier, on April 16, the Rouse Avenue Court had issued summons to Vadra and other accused after taking cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint (charge sheet), paving the way for the commencement of judicial proceedings.

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During Friday's hearing, counsel representing the accused sought a copy of the ED's status report to enable them to respond to the agency's submissions. However, Advocate Naveen Kumar Matta, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) appearing for the ED, opposed the request. He informed the court that he would seek appropriate instructions from the agency before taking a position on whether the report could be shared with the defence.

The Shikohpur land deal has remained under investigation for several years and pertains to allegations of financial irregularities involving land transactions in Haryana. The ED is probing the matter under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), examining whether proceeds of crime were generated through the transactions. Vadra has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that the allegations against him are politically motivated. He has also asserted that all his business dealings were conducted in accordance with the law.

The filing of the latest status report indicates that the ED's investigation is still active and may expand depending on the evidence gathered regarding the entities and individuals involved. The court is expected to consider the agency's submissions during subsequent hearings as the case progresses. The outcome of the investigation into DLF's alleged role, along with any additional findings by the ED, is likely to shape the future course of the proceedings in one of the country's most closely watched financial investigations.

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