The Rouse Avenue Court heard the Enforcement Directorate’s submission regarding the issuance of notice to Robert Vadra and other accused individuals in a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Shikohpur village in Gurugram, Haryana.
The case revolves around alleged fraudulent activities, including the use of proceeds from crime to acquire immovable properties.
ED’s Arguments In The Court
The ED presented its prosecution complaint, emphasizing that the case is a clear example of money laundering. According to the agency, the proceeds from the crime were used to acquire valuable properties. The ED argued that criminal activity related to this deal was clearly evident through the generation, layering, and eventual enjoyment of the proceeds.
During the proceedings, Special Judge Sushant Changotra heard arguments from the ED’s legal team, including special counsel Zoheb Hossain and special public prosecutor Naveen Kumar Matta.
The ED maintained that evidence, including financial transactions and witness statements, conclusively established that the activity in question qualified as money laundering.
Details Of The Alleged Fraud
The ED claims that Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., a company in which Vadra holds a 99% stake, was instrumental in the fraudulent land deal. Specifically, the company allegedly purchased 3 acres of land in Shikohpur for a sum of ₹7.5 crore, but the payment was deliberately delayed to avoid stamp duty charges. The ED said that the amount was shown as paid through a cheque, but the cheque was never encashed.
This land parcel was later sold to DLF at a higher price, which is still under investigation. The ED also claimed that false declarations were made in the sale deed, further proving the fraudulent nature of the transaction.
Jurisdiction & Ongoing Investigation
Zoheb Hossain, representing the ED, pointed out that although the predicate offence was registered in Haryana, the jurisdiction of the Rouse Avenue Court was not in question. He explained that since money laundering activities occurred in Delhi, the court had jurisdiction to hear the case.
The investigation also revealed that the licensing process for the land transaction was hastily processed without following proper procedures, with several witnesses corroborating this claim.
Key Figures & Alleged Involvement
The ED also highlighted the involvement of Satyanand Yajee, the director of Omkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd., who allegedly assisted in the generation of the proceeds of crime by facilitating the land deal.
The investigation has further shown that the proceeds of crime continued to be enjoyed until July 2025, when a provisional attachment of properties was made. The ED stated that the money laundering process remains ongoing as long as the accused enjoy the proceeds, which were utilized in acquiring seven properties.
The ED also invoked Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which holds Vadra vicariously liable. Since he owned 99% of the shares in the companies involved, Vadra is considered both the beneficial and actual owner of the properties in question.
Legal Proceedings
The ED filed its prosecution complaint on July 17, 2025, naming 11 individuals and entities, including Robert Vadra, his company Sky Light Hospitality, Satyanand Yajee, and Kewal Singh Virk. The case stems from a FIR registered by Gurugram Police, accusing Vadra of fraudulently purchasing 3.53 acres of land from Omkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. in 2008.
The ED has already taken provisional action by attaching 43 immovable properties worth approximately ₹37.64 crore, which are allegedly connected to Vadra and his associated companies.
After hearing the ED’s submissions, the court has decided to issue an order on the matter on July 31, 2025. The judge will review the documents before passing any orders on the issuance of notice to the accused. This case continues to develop, with the investigation into the money laundering activities still ongoing.
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