Robert Vadra Faces Increased Scrutiny in UK Arms Consultant Money Laundering Case

Robert Vadra, the businessman and husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has missed his second scheduled deposition with the Enforcement Directorate in connection to a money laundering case involving UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari. According to official sources, Vadra was slated to appear before the agency but is currently overseas attending his daughter's graduation, a trip he asserts was undertaken with the court's prior permission.

Vadra's counsel, Suman Jyoti Khaitan, clarified that the businessman intends to continue his cooperation with the federal probe agency upon his return or through video conferencing if needed. He attributes his absence on June 10 to flu-like symptoms and adherence to Covid testing protocol.

Bhandari, an associate of Vadra who fled to London in 2016, is tied to several money laundering cases under ED scrutiny. The agency alleges Vadra's involvement in funding renovations for a London property connected to Bhandari, claims Vadra categorically denies, deeming them part of a political vendetta.

(With inputs from agencies.)