Robert Vadra moves Delhi HC seeking quashing of money laundering case by ED

Businessman Robert Vadra on Wednesday moved Delhi High Court seeking quashing of an FIR registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case for which he has been investigated by the probe agency.

Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi and brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has also sought to declare certain sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 as ultra vires to the Constitution.

The Court will hear his plea on March 25.

The money laundering case filed against Vadra is related to the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square, worth 1.9 million pounds, which are allegedly owned by him.

On Tuesday, while hearing Vadra's petition seeking anticipatory bail into a money laundering case, the ED sought the custodial interrogation of Robert Vadra, alleging before a special CBI court here that he is "not cooperating" in the probe.

After the arguments, the judge posted the matter for further hearing to March 25 while extending till then Vadra's interim bail with a direction that he has to cooperate with the agency.

"It is unfortunate that the petitioner (Vadra) has got involved in political mudslinging. His conduct during the course of investigation raises even more apprehensions that he is a key to unearthing the modus operandi and black money," the agency said while opposing his plea.

The ED said the offences are "grave" in nature and the legislature has provided for imprisonment of upto 10 years with a minimum term of three years.

Last month, Vadra had filed the anticipatory bail plea in connection with the case, alleging that he is being targeted and subjected to false prosecution which has the colour of political witch hunt. He also said that he is a law-abiding citizen.

Senior advocate KTS Tulsi is representing Vadra while Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh and lawyer Nitesh Rana are appearing for the ED.

Earlier this month, the court had extended till March 19 the interim bail of Vadra. Vadra's interim bail extension came after he appeared before the ED for questioning in connection with a money laundering case linked to his alleged purchase of a London-based property.