The Rouse Avenue Court today listed September 20 as the date for hearing arguments on whether to take cognisance of the ED’s prosecution complaint filed against businessman Robert Vadra and others in a money laundering case linked to a Gurugram land deal.
The matter came up before Special Judge Sushant Changotra, where counsel for the accused joined proceedings through video conferencing in response to a notice issued on August 2.
The court also directed the ED to provide copies of its charge sheet—filed recently in the case—to all proposed accused.
ED’s Allegations Of Money Laundering
During earlier submissions, Special Public Prosecutor Naveen Kumar Matta, assisted by Mohd. Faizan, argued that the case represented a “classic example of money laundering.”
The ED alleged that the proceeds of crime (PoC) were not only generated but also layered and enjoyed for years. The agency claimed to have traced the funds flow, property transactions, and witness statements linking Vadra and his associates to the alleged laundering.
According to the prosecution, Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., in which Vadra holds a 99% stake, played a key role in the transactions. The company allegedly purchased 3 acres of land in Shikohpur, Gurugram, for ₹7.5 crore in 2008. The payment, shown as made through a cheque, was never encashed, the ED said, suggesting the transaction was structured to evade stamp duty.
Sale To DLF & Alleged Irregularities
The land was later sold to DLF at a much higher price. The ED claimed that the licence for the land was issued in haste and without following proper procedure, citing statements of witnesses including officials and property dealers.
The agency also referred to the role of Satyanand Yajee, Director of Onkareshwar Properties, who allegedly assisted Vadra’s firm in acquiring the land and generating the proceeds of crime.
Continuing Offence, Attached Properties
The ED stressed that the use and enjoyment of proceeds of crime continued until as late as July 2025, when provisional attachment orders were issued. In all, 43 immovable properties worth about ₹37.64 crore—allegedly linked to Vadra and associated companies—were attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Special counsel Zoheb Hossain argued that since Vadra owned a 98–99% stake in the companies involved, he was not only the majority shareholder but also the beneficial and actual owner, making him vicariously liable.
The prosecution complaint, filed on July 17, 2025, names 11 accused persons and entities, including Robert Vadra, M/s Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., Satyanand Yajee, and Kewal Singh Virk.
The case originates from a 2008 land deal in Village Shikohpur, Sector 83, Gurugram, where it is alleged that Vadra’s company purchased 3.53 acres of land from Onkareshwar Properties through fraudulent declarations and later secured a commercial licence using personal influence.
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