The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation has unveiled that Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, unlawfully amassed Rs 58 crore from a dubious land transaction in Gurugram. This revelation is part of a money laundering case. The ED’s investigation indicates that Rs 53 crore was funneled through Sky Light Hospitality and Rs 5 crore via Blue Breeze Trading. During the inquiry, Vadra sought to place responsibility on three deceased individuals. The ED recorded Vadra’s statements on April 15 and April 16, 2025, during its investigation of the Gurugram land deal. During these sessions, Vadra sidestepped many direct questions, instead placing blame on the deceased individuals: HL Pahwa, Rajesh Khurana, and Mahesh Nagar. Vadra informed ED officials that these individuals were working on his behalf, but he did not present any documentation to support his claim when requested.
ED sources have stated that Vadra improperly acquired approximately Rs 58 crore through his companies, Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd and BBTPL. The funds were utilized for Vadra’s opulent lifestyle and to acquire properties under his name and the names of his companies. The agency’s report states that the illicit funds were used to purchase real estate, make investments, and provide loans. In addition, the money was used to settle the liabilities of various group companies. The ED’s investigation led to the provisional attachment of 43 immovable properties worth Rs 38.69 crore, which are linked to the illicit gains.
The ED is seeking a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and asset forfeiture for the accused under Section 4 of the PMLA. The ED specified that the properties directly linked to the crime include land in Bikaner, Rajasthan; units in Good Earth City Centre, Gurugram; units in Bestech Business Tower, Mohali, and residential units in Jay Ambe Township, Ahmedabad. The ED also identified properties, categorized as equivalent in value to the proceeds of crime, that include various agricultural lands in Amipur, Faridabad; plots in Mayfield Garden, Gurugram; commercial units in Centrum Plaza, Gurugram; commercial units in Bestech Business Tower, Gurugram; commercial units in India Expo Mart, Noida; an apartment in The Aralias, Gurugram; land in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and commercial space in Noida.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a charge sheet in court against Robert Vadra, Satyanand Yaji, Kewal Singh Virk, and multiple companies, under the PMLA. This charge sheet concerns alleged irregularities in the sale, purchase, and licensing of land in the Shikohpur village of Gurugram, Haryana. On September 1, 2018, the Haryana Police filed an FIR at Kherki Daula police station in Gurugram. Robert Vadra, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, DLF Company, and Onkareshwar Properties Pvt Ltd, along with others, were named for alleged fraud, conspiracy, and corruption. Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd (SLHPL), despite having minimal capital, purchased 3.5 acres of land for a mere Rs 7.50 crore, far below the actual value of Rs 15 crore. The sale deed contained false information, including a check payment which was never cashed. Approximately Rs 45 lakh in stamp duty was evaded through this. It is alleged that this land was provided to Onkareshwar Properties in exchange for Robert Vadra’s influence in acquiring a housing license from the then-CM. Afterward, a commercial license was secured, and the land was sold to DLF for Rs 58 crore after pressure and file manipulation. The license application indicated 3.53 acres of land, but only 1.35 acres was for commercial use. The inclusion of sector road land was a violation of regulations. The license process was expedited due to pressure from senior officials. Evidence of altered dates and map modifications was uncovered. The ED claims that Robert Vadra generated an illicit profit of Rs 58 crore from this transaction, with Rs 5 crore flowing through Blue Breeze Trading Pvt Ltd and Rs 53 crore through Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd. This money was used to purchase property, make investments, and settle the debts of his companies.
The ED has provisionally seized 43 immovable properties worth Rs 38.69 crore, including land, flats, and commercial units located in Bikaner, Gurugram, Mohali, Ahmedabad, Noida, and Faridabad. The ED has invoked Section 423 of the IPC, along with several provisions of the PMLA. If the charges are proven, a sentence ranging from 3 to 7 years and the seizure of illicit assets could be imposed.
Key Events:
2006-2008: Land purchase, application for license, and the passage of file with inaccurate information.
2008-2012: Payments of crores from DLF, issuance and renewal of licenses, and the ultimate sale of land to DLF for Rs 58 crore.
2013: An audit discovered irregularities throughout the entire process.