(Image source from: Moneycontrol.com)

Robert Vadra, a businessman and spouse of Priyanka Gandhi, has been called upon by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the Haryana land acquisition case. This marks the second occasion Vadra has been summoned in relation to this investigation. Previously, the 56-year-old was questioned by the ED on April 8. The agency is expected to take his testimony in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Vadra has been interrogated before in connection with another money laundering investigation tied to a land deal in Haryana.

In 2007, Vadra established Skylight Hospitality with an initial capital of Rs 1 lakh. The following year, he acquired property in the Shikohpur-Manesar area of Gurgaon from Onkareshwar Properties through his company. Remarkably, the land was registered in Vadra's name within just 24 hours, a process that typically takes three months. A month later, the Haryana town planning department granted him the permission needed to develop a housing society, issuing a letter of intent for the establishment of a commercial colony. At that time, the Congress party was in power, led by Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda. The land’s value rose sharply thereafter, and Vadra sold it to DLF, a real estate company, for Rs 58 crore in June.

DLF made the payment to Vadra over several installments. In 2011, anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal alleged that Vadra received an interest-free loan of Rs 65 crore from DLF, suggesting that he was awarded favorable land arrangements in return for political support. The formal transfer of the land to DLF was only completed in 2012. In October of that year, IAS officer Ashok Khemka began an inquiry into the transaction. At the time, Khemka held the position of Director General of Consolidation of Land Holdings and Inspector General of Registration. He subsequently nullified the sale of land Vadra had made to DLF Universal for Rs 58 crore.

Shortly after initiating his investigation, Khemka was reassigned, reportedly on orders from Hooda. However, he justified his decision to cancel the transfer by stating that the official who approved the deal lacked the authority to do so. Subsequently, the Haryana government established a three-member panel to examine the situation, which eventually cleared Vadra of wrongdoing, alleging that Khemka had exceeded his authority. In 2018, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Hooda, Vadra, along with DLF and Onkareshwar Properties, accusing them of conspiracy, cheating, fraud, and forgery under the Prevention of Corruption Act. DLF has maintained that all dealings with Vadra were conducted as part of standard business operations.

Vadra has asserted that the case lacks any validity. He stated, “No one is avoiding any responsibilities. I am present today... I anticipate a resolution. I am looking forward to a resolution.” He expressed, “The case has no substance. Over the past two decades, I have been called in 15 times and questioned for more than 10 hours each time. Managing 23,000 documents is quite a challenge.” Vadra further remarked, “I fail to understand the basis of this action. It’s a matter of political revenge, old allegations, nonsense; this is an abuse of the agencies.” According to PTI, Vadra remarked, “Anytime I advocate for others and amplify their voices, attempts are made to silence me... I have always provided complete answers and will continue to do so.”