National News: Earlier in April, Vadra had been questioned by the ED for three consecutive days in connection with another case related to a 2008 Gurugram land deal. That investigation also involved suspected money laundering activities. Officials suggest that both cases show financial overlaps and possible misuse of political influence. The ED is trying to establish a pattern of suspicious asset transactions across jurisdictions involving Vadra and his associates. The London property case is believed to be the most concrete among the three ED cases involving him.
Gurugram Deal and the London Link
On June 10, Vadra did not appear before the ED, citing health concerns. His lawyer informed that Vadra developed flu-like symptoms on June 9 and underwent a COVID-19 test as a precaution. He emphasized that Vadra has no intention of evading the process and would be available either before or after his upcoming overseas travel. Despite this explanation, the ED issued a fresh summons for June 17, underlining their urgency in collecting Vadra’s testimony and corroborating key details before proceeding further.
Health Excuse Fails to Delay Summons
The London property, at the center of the investigation, was allegedly purchased by Sanjay Bhandari in 2009. ED’s charge sheet filed in 2023 claimed that the renovation of the property was done under Vadra’s direction, and the money trail led back to him. Indian tax authorities had first raided Bhandari’s premises in 2016, following which he fled to the UK. Since then, extradition efforts by Indian agencies have met multiple legal roadblocks in British courts, making it difficult to bring Bhandari back for questioning.
Bhandari's Escape Complicates Probe
In a major blow to Indian enforcement agencies, a UK court recently dismissed the Indian government’s plea seeking permission to appeal in the British Supreme Court against Bhandari’s acquittal. This nearly closed the door on any immediate extradition possibilities. Nonetheless, the ED is aggressively pursuing its investigation into financial transactions that allegedly connect Vadra with the property and with Bhandari. Investigators believe that proving this link could be key in establishing a broader financial misconduct case against Vadra.
UK Court's Rejection Raises Stakes
Vadra, however, has categorically denied owning or having any association with the London property—directly or indirectly. He claims that these allegations are politically motivated and aimed at damaging the image of the Gandhi family. Speaking through his legal team, Vadra reiterated that the ED’s actions are part of a larger political conspiracy. He maintains that he is ready to cooperate with the investigation but has criticized what he calls "selective targeting" for political mileage.
Vadra Denies All Allegations
In addition to the London-linked probe, Vadra is also under investigation in a separate land deal case in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The ED alleges irregularities in land acquisition and fraudulent compensation transactions. Overall, Vadra faces three major cases under the ED’s radar. While legal proceedings are underway, political analysts believe these cases could become a focal point in upcoming political narratives, particularly as national elections approach.
