Robert Vadra was directed by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation. (File)
Businessman Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, today appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in a money laundering case. He was dropped at the agency's south Delhi office by wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has recently joined active politics as a general secretary of the Congress.
This is the first time Mr Vadra, also the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.
Mr Vadra has denied these allegations in the past and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He was directed by a Delhi court to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the central probe agency after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in this case.
The case involves a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Mr Vadra. The agency has also told the court that Mr Vadra owns other properties in London - including two houses worth around nine million pounds, six other flats and other properties.
Here are the live updates in the money laundering case:
Robert Vadra will be questioned again tomorrow at 10:30 am.
"Measure Of Success Of Indian Democracy": Ravi Shankar Prasad Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad described the questioning of Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, by Enforcement Directorate as the "measure of success of the Indian democracy, news agency PTI reported.
"...It is the success of the will of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, when a gentleman hailing from a well-known family had to submit before the law," Mr Prasad said when asked about questioning of Vadra by the ED.
Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case.
"Manoj Arora was once an employee. But he did not write any email on my behalf," says Robert Vadra.
Manoj Arora, an employee of Mr Vadra's firm Skylight Hospitality, is a key person in the case. He was aware of Mr Vadra's undeclared assets overseas and was instrumental in arranging funds, the probe agency has alleged.
Robert Vadra's questioning at Enforcement Directorate ends.
Robert Vadra denies any association with Sanjay Bhandari and his cousin Summit Chadha. He also denied that he directly or indirectly owns properties in London.
The BJP alleges Robert Vadra got "kickbacks" from petroleum and defence deals during the UPA regime.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra says Mr Vadra "bought eight to nine properties in London" from the money he got as kickbacks in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power.
Mr Patra said he would like to ask Robert Vadra "what is the formula of becoming crorepati from roadpati?"
Alleging that "corruption" has been the "core agenda" of the Congress party, Patra said, "Everybody knows every member of the family is out on bail."
The Enforcement Directorate team led by Joint Director accompanied by Deputy Director and 5 other officers is questioning Robert Vadra, in connection with a money laundering case.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on accompanying her husband Robert Vadra to the Enforcement Directorate, says: "I stand by my husband. Wanted to send a message (by accompanying him)."
The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property - located at 12, Bryanston Square - worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Robert Vadra.
The Enforcement Directorate had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belongs to Robert Vadra. The agency carried out raids in this case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Mr Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.
Official sources say Robert Vadra will be put through questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after.