PMLA case: Court directs Robert Vadra not to leave country, grants anticipatory bail

Robert Vadra, facing investigation in a money laundering case, was directed Monday not to leave the country without prior permission by a Delhi court which granted him anticipatory bail while imposing several other conditions.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar also directed him not to tamper with the evidence or influence witnesses and join the investigation as and when called by the investigating officer.

The court asked Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh and a surety of the like amount.

Vadra is facing allegations of money laundering in purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds.

In its order granting the relief, the court noted the submissions made by senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Vadra, that the accused has joined the probe as and when called by the investigating officer.

It also noted that there was no allegation that the accused at any point of time had tampered with evidence or influenced any witness in the present case. The case of ED is mainly based on documentary evidence, it said.

The court also observed that Vadra's office premises were searched on December 7 and 8, 2019 and voluminous documents, nearly 20,000 pages, were seized.

It further noted that he had filed application for anticipatory bail on February 1 and on February 6 he was directed to join the investigation.

"The accused has joined the probe as and when called by the investigating officer. Vadra had joined the investigation on nine occasions from February 6 to March 8 and has been interrogated for about 58 hours and answered the questions put to him," it said.

"Further, it is also noted that accused is having permanent residence in Delhi and has deep roots in society, his family is based in India and his properties are also situated in India," the court added.

The judge said, "Considering the overall facts and circumstances, I consider it to be a fit case for grant of anticipatory bail. Thus, in the event of arrest, the applicant shall be released on bail on furnishing personal bond in sum of Rs 5 lakh with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the investigating officer."