New Delhi [India], August 7 (HBTV): The Rouse Avenue Court has listed the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s complaint for order on the issuance of notice to Robert Vadra and other accused persons in a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Shikohpur village, Gurugram, Haryana. 

During preliminary submissions, the ED alleged that the case represents a clear instance of money laundering, with proceeds of crime used to acquire immovable properties. The agency recently filed a prosecution complaint against Vadra and others in connection with the Gurugram land transactions.

Special Judge Sushant Changotra, after hearing submissions by the ED, stated he would examine the documents and deliver an order on the morning of July 31.

The ED submitted that the evidence conclusively established the offence of money laundering, with the generation, layering, and enjoyment of proceeds of crime (PoC). It claimed to have shown the flow of funds, ownership of property, and statements of witnesses supporting its case.

Appearing for the ED, special counsel Zoheb Hossain (via video conferencing), Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Naveen Kumar Matta, and Mohd. Faizan argued that the court had jurisdiction to hear the case. Although the predicate offence was registered in Haryana, they stated that the court in Delhi retained jurisdiction since part of the money laundering activities allegedly occurred in the capital.

According to the ED, during the investigation, it was found that false statements were made in relation to the land deal and the source of the proceeds of crime was concealed. It was alleged that Skylight Hospitality, a company with 99 per cent shareholding by Robert Vadra, purchased three acres of land through a fraudulent transaction. The sale deed declared that INR 7.5 crore was paid, but according to the ED, no amount was paid at the time. The payment was allegedly made later to evade stamp duty, corroborated by witness statements.

The land was subsequently sold to DLF for a higher amount, and the ED stated this aspect is still under scrutiny. It further alleged that the licence for the land was processed hastily without following due procedures, with statements from prosecution witnesses supporting this claim.

Special counsel Hossain also referred to the statement of Satyanand Yajee, Director of Omkareshwar Properties, who allegedly assisted Skylight Hospitality in the generation of PoC.

The ED claimed the use and enjoyment of the PoC continued until July 2025, when provisional attachment was enforced. The agency said the use of funds extended to seven properties purchased using PoC, and that the enjoyment of these assets constituted a continuing offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED further submitted that Section 70 of the PMLA was invoked, as all companies involved were allegedly 98 to 99 per cent owned by Vadra. This, the ED argued, made him not only individually responsible but also vicariously liable.

According to the ED, Vadra was the majority shareholder, beneficial owner, actual owner, and director of the companies involved.

The prosecution complaint, filed on July 17, 2025, names 11 individuals and entities, including Robert Vadra, his company M/s Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., Satyanand Yajee, and Kewal Singh Virk.

The case stems from an FIR filed by Gurugram Police, alleging that Vadra, through Skylight Hospitality, fraudulently purchased 3.53 acres of land in Village Shikohpur, Sector 83, Gurugram, from Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. on February 12, 2008. The complaint also alleges the use of false declarations and that a commercial licence for the land was obtained using Vadra's personal influence.

As part of its investigation under the PMLA, the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order on July 16, 2025, attaching 43 immovable properties worth approximately INR 37.64 crore. These properties are reportedly linked to Vadra and his associated entities, including Skylight Hospitality.

(ANI)