Robert Vadra, prominent businessman and husband of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has once again found himself in the spotlight following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) fresh summons in connection with its ongoing money-laundering investigation related to the Shikohpur land deal in Haryana. Labeling the move a “witch hunt” and a clear case of “political vendetta,” Vadra accused the ruling BJP-led government of misusing central agencies to silence dissenting voices and distract from national issues.
The controversy intensified as Vadra voluntarily walked from his residence in central Delhi to the ED office, where he was questioned for over three hours. He later addressed the media, firmly asserting that there is "nothing incriminating" in the case, which he claimed is being "dragged on unnecessarily" for political gain. “For more than 20 years, I’ve been subjected to repeated harassment. This is the 15th time I’ve been summoned, and every time, I have fully cooperated,” he said. “I’ve already submitted over 23,000 documents, which clearly prove that all transactions were legitimate and transparent.”
The ED’s investigation stems from a 2008 land deal in Shikohpur village in Gurgaon district, where Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., purchased 3.5 acres of land from Omkareshwar Properties for ₹7.5 crore. Within a short span, the land was sold to real estate giant DLF for ₹58 crore. The ED suspects that the dramatic appreciation in land value may have involved insider knowledge, illegal favoritism, or laundering of unaccounted money.
Vadra, however, has dismissed these allegations as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that all dealings were commercial and legally sound. “Whenever I raise my voice about policies that hurt the people, or question this government’s lack of accountability, I’m summoned. This is nothing new. This is their way of trying to intimidate us, of misusing federal agencies to distract from the real problems—price rise, unemployment, inequality,” Vadra stated.
He further linked the ED summons to his recent public appearances and statements criticizing the Modi government’s economic and social policies. "I’ve spoken up on matters that concern the common man—on inflation, the state of the economy, and the breakdown of democratic institutions. And every time I do, these summons appear. It’s an old pattern."
As Vadra made his way to the ED office, he was accompanied by a small group of supporters, some carrying placards alleging selective targeting of opposition leaders. The Congress party has strongly condemned the ED’s actions, alleging that this is yet another example of how investigative institutions are being used as political tools by the ruling government.
Legal experts, meanwhile, say the probe appears to be in its preliminary stages, and any conclusion will depend on the clarity of the money trail and whether laws under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) were violated. Vadra’s statement will be formally recorded and could be followed by further rounds of questioning if discrepancies or red flags emerge in the documents provided.
With Lok Sabha elections not too far away, many view this development through the lens of pre-poll posturing and pressure tactics. Vadra’s ties to the Nehru-Gandhi family make the case particularly sensitive, especially given the growing tension between the BJP and the Congress-led opposition alliance.
As of now, Robert Vadra has not been named as an accused in the case, but sources suggest the agency is examining whether his role in the land transaction involved any benami elements or financial misconduct. Vadra has reiterated his willingness to cooperate fully, saying, “Let there be transparency. I am not running away. I have always faced the law, and I will continue to do so.”
The outcome of this probe could have political as well as legal ramifications, especially in the run-up to national elections, with both the ruling and opposition parties likely to leverage the case to fuel their respective narratives.
