Priyanka Gandhi named in ED's chargesheet in money laundering case
New Delhi, December 28: Priyanka Gandhi's name finds mention in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet relating to a money laundering case. This comes after the earlier inclusion of Robert Vadra's name in the same chargesheet.
The chargesheet, filed by the ED, highlights Priyanka Gandhi's involvement in the acquisition and sale of agricultural land in Faridabad, Haryana. It specifically notes her participation in the purchase of land from Delhi-based real estate agent HL Pahwa in 2006, which was subsequently sold back to him in February 2010.
While Priyanka Gandhi has been named in the chargesheet, she has not been listed as an accused in the case. According to the ED, her association with Pahwa aligns with similar land transactions involving Robert Vadra, her husband, who acquired and later sold three plots spanning 334 kanals (40.08 acres) between 2005 and 2006, finalising the sale to Pahwa in December 2010.
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In a related development, the ED had earlier mentioned Robert Vadra's involvement in the money laundering case. The case also implicates defense dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who is currently a fugitive based in London.
The ED alleged that a London property, where Robert Vadra "renovated and stayed," was linked to proceeds of crime in the money laundering case against Bhandari. Bhandari's extradition to India was approved by the British government earlier this year, in response to requests from the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The ED has filed an updated charge sheet in this context against Cheruvathur Chakutty Thampi, a UAE-based NRI businessman, and UK national Sumit Chadha. Thampi, who was previously arrested in January 2020, is accused of being a "close associate" of Vadra and is currently out on bail.
According to the ED, the assets owned by Bhandari in London are considered proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency claims that Thampi and Chadha were involved in concealing and utilizing these proceeds.
The investigation unveiled ties between Thampi and Vadra, alleging mutual land acquisitions and financial transactions between them. Vadra, previously questioned by the ED, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
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