Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Named In ED Chargesheet In Haryana Land Scam Case: Sources

NEW DELHI: In a major political development, sources on Thursday said that Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been named in a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a land scam in Haryana.

ED Probe Points To Priyanka's Role In Haryana Land Deal

The ED chargesheet highlights Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's alleged role in the acquisition of agricultural land measuring 40 kanal (five acres) in Haryana's Faridabad. The transaction involved purchasing the land from Delhi-based real estate agent HL Pahwa in 2006 and subsequently selling it back to him in February 2010. Notably, Pahwa is the same agent through whom Priyanka's husband, Robert Vadra, had acquired three pieces of land measuring 334 kanals (40.08 acres) in Amipur village in 2005-2006, later selling the same land to him in December 2010.

Links With NRI Businessman CC Thampi

What is of significance is Pahwa's connection to NRI businessman CC Thampi, who also acquired land from the same agent. Thampi is part of the larger ED probe involving fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, facing scrutiny for money laundering, violation of foreign exchange laws, black money charges, and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

First Mention Of Priyanka Gandhi In Official Document

This marks the first time Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's name appears in an official document submitted by the ED to the court, while Robert Vadra has been previously named in earlier chargesheets related to the ongoing PMLA case against CC Thampi. Notably, both Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra have not been named as accused, but the land transactions are presented by the ED to establish a link between Thampi and Vadra.

Allegations Of A 'Long & Thick' Relationship

The Enforcement Directorate reportedly alleges serious financial irregularities involving Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband. The chargesheet suggests a "long and thick" relationship between Robert Vadra and CC Thampi, extending beyond personal to common business interests. The ED's investigation, outlined in the chargesheet, aims to unravel the intricate financial connections between the involved parties.

Awaiting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Response

With the ED chargesheet coming to light, attention turns to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's likely response to the allegations. The document, comprehensive in nature, is expected to trigger political discussions and elicit reactions from various quarters.

Complexities Of The Haryana Land Scam Case

The inclusion of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the ED chargesheet introduces a new layer of complexity to the Haryana land scam case, which has been under ED investigation. The chargesheet is anticipated to offer detailed insights into the alleged irregularities in the land transactions, further shaping the ongoing legal proceedings.