A Delhi court has summoned businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering case linked to a controversial land deal in Haryana’s Shikohpur village, pushing forward the Enforcement Directorate’s long-running investigation into the transaction.
Special Judge Sushant Changotra of the Rouse Avenue Court took cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint and held that sufficient material exists to proceed against Vadra and others. The court summoned Vadra and eight additional accused and directed them to appear before it on May 16.
The Enforcement Directorate had filed its charge sheet in July last year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The case relates to a 3.53-acre land deal in Shikohpur, Gurugram, that was purchased in 2008 by Sky Light Hospitality, a company previously associated with Vadra.
Court Finds Grounds to Continue Proceedings
While taking cognisance of the complaint, the court said the material presented by the Enforcement Directorate justified proceeding under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which deals with the offence of money laundering, read with Section 70 relating to offences committed by companies. These offences are punishable under Section 4 of the Act.
The judge noted that the complaint disclosed sufficient grounds to move forward with the case. At the same time, the court refrained from commenting on the merits of certain allegations, observing that the investigation remains ongoing and further findings may emerge as the probe continues.
Scrutiny Over Shikohpur Land Deal
According to the Enforcement Directorate, Sky Light Hospitality purchased the land from Onkareshwar Properties on February 12, 2008 for ₹7.5 crore. Investigators allege that the acquisition involved irregularities, including false declarations during the transaction.
The agency has further claimed that the payment shown for the land was made through a cheque that was never encashed. Prosecutors argued that the property was later sold to real estate developer DLF for a significantly higher amount.
The value of the land rose sharply soon after the purchase. Within a month, the then Haryana government, led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, granted permission to Sky Light Hospitality to develop a housing project on much of the land. This approval substantially increased the market value of the property.
In June 2008, DLF agreed to buy the plot from the company for ₹58 crore. The land’s value had risen by more than 700 per cent within months. The transfer to DLF was completed in 2012 but was cancelled eight years later, citing alleged violations.
Allegations of Procedural Irregularities
The prosecution complaint also points to irregularities in the administrative process surrounding the transaction.
Investigators have stated that the land was mutated in favour of Sky Light Hospitality within 24 hours of the purchase and was allegedly transferred to Vadra soon afterwards. According to the agency, such mutations typically take at least three months.
The complaint also alleges that officials in the Directorate of Town and Country Planning faced pressure from higher authorities to accelerate approvals linked to the project.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Surinder Sharma, a resident of Nuh district, who alleged that the land transaction was fraudulent. Investigators have also noted that Sky Light Hospitality was incorporated in 2007 with a capital of only ₹1 lakh before acquiring the land.
Properties Attached as Probe Widens
As part of its investigation, the Enforcement Directorate last July issued a provisional attachment order for 43 immovable properties valued at approximately ₹37.64 crore. These properties are linked to Vadra, Sky Light Hospitality, and other individuals connected to the case.
Separately, the agency is also investigating Vadra in another matter involving UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari.
With the court now taking cognisance of the complaint and issuing summons, the case is set to move into a crucial phase as legal proceedings begin in the special court next month.
