Robert Vadra Evades ED’s Questions on London Properties Linked to Arms Dealer Sanjay Bhandari
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New Delhi | July 14, 2025 — Businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, remained evasive during questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case. According to ED sources, Vadra did not fully cooperate and failed to answer key questions related to two London properties allegedly linked to him through arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.
Vadra Appears Before ED, Avoids Media
Vadra appeared at the ED office in central Delhi on Monday around noon, accompanied by his wife Priyanka Gandhi. After nearly two hours of interrogation, he left without speaking to the media. This was not his first appearance before the ED, but sources suggest his responses remained vague and unhelpful.
Officials claimed Vadra failed to explain his connection to two high-end London properties—one at Grosvenor Hill Court, 13 Bourdon Street, and another at 19 Bryanston Square. These properties are under investigation as alleged benami assets—properties bought under someone else’s name to hide the real owner.
ED's Focus: Benami Deals and Proceeds of Crime
The ED believes these properties are the proceeds of crime and were purchased in collusion with UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari. Investigators suspect Bhandari used funds provided by Vadra to renovate one of the London properties back in 2009.
According to ED sources, Vadra reportedly stayed at the Bryanston Square property multiple times during his visits to London. These stays, along with financial trails traced by the agency, have raised serious red flags.
Who is Sanjay Bhandari?
Sanjay Bhandari is a 62-year-old arms consultant who fled India in 2016 and settled in the United Kingdom. On July 5, a Delhi court declared Bhandari a Fugitive Economic Offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. This gives the ED more power to confiscate his properties and assets.
The British courts earlier denied India’s request to extradite Bhandari, but the Indian agencies have continued their efforts to bring him to justice.
In 2020, the ED filed a chargesheet against Bhandari based on a probe initiated by the Income Tax Department. He has been accused of hiding foreign assets, using backdated documents, and giving false information about his overseas wealth.
Vadra’s Response: Denial and Allegations of Harassment
Despite repeated summons, Vadra has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He maintains that he has no financial ties to Bhandari and that the ED is targeting him for political reasons.
In past media interactions and statements, Vadra has accused the agency of “harassing” him with multiple summons despite his consistent stand that he has “nothing new” to share.
However, ED officials believe the financial links between Vadra and Bhandari are more than coincidental. The timing of payments, renovation expenses, and property visits point toward a deeper financial relationship, they claim.
Political Reactions Expected
Given Vadra’s close ties to the Congress party—being the son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi and husband of Priyanka Gandhi—this case carries political weight. While opposition parties may use the developments to target the Congress, the party has so far stood firmly behind Vadra.
As the investigation progresses, more political debates and headlines are expected in the coming days.
What Happens Next?
The ED may call Vadra again for further questioning if they are not satisfied with his responses. They are also expected to expedite the process of attaching properties linked to Sanjay Bhandari in India and abroad.
With Bhandari now officially declared a fugitive, India could renew extradition efforts and intensify diplomatic pressure on the UK.
Meanwhile, Robert Vadra’s legal team may seek relief from the courts against future summons or property seizures, keeping this case active in both legal and political circles.
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