ED Files Chargesheet Against Robert Vadra in ₹58 Crore Shikohpur Land Deal

Key Points

• ED Chargesheet Filed: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a detailed chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, in the high-profile Shikohpur (Gurugram) land deal case.
• Assets Attached: Over 43 properties valued at more than ₹37 crore have been attached under anti-money laundering laws.
• Political and Corporate Names Involved: Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and real estate giant DLF are also named in the case, along with several companies and individuals.
• Allegations: ED accuses Vadra’s company of fraudulently acquiring land at a low price and selling it within four years for a large profit, with suspected regulatory manipulation and money laundering.
• ED Interrogation Ongoing: Vadra was recently questioned for five hours on July 14 over financial links to UK-based arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, with the possibility of further summons as he did not provide clear answers on these relationships.

New Delhi: Major Developments in the Shikohpur Land Deal Case

What Is the Shikohpur Land Deal?

• In 2008, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd then directed by Robert Vadra bought 3.5 acres of land in Shikohpur (now Sector 83, Gurugram) from Omkareshwar Properties for ₹7.5 crore.
• The Haryana government, headed by Bhupinder Singh Hooda (Congress), soon granted a commercial license, making the property eligible for profitable development.
• By September 2012, Skylight sold the land to DLF for ₹58 crore a nearly eightfold increase just four years after the purchase.
• IAS officer Ashok Khemka canceled the “kharij dakhal” (land transfer) in 2012, flagging procedural issues and sparking official scrutiny.

Enforcement Directorate’s Charges and Actions

• Fraud, Cheating, Conspiracy: The chargesheet accuses Vadra and associated companies of fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Prevention of Corruption Act and PMLA.
• Properties Attached: On July 16, the ED provisionally attached 43 immovable assets, worth ₹37.64 crore, linked to Vadra and Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
• Full List of Accused: The chargesheet names Robert Vadra, Skylight Hospitality, DLF, Omkareshwar Properties, and individuals like Satyanand Yaji and Kawal Singh Virk among others.

Political Fallout and Defenses

• Political Controversy: The deal occurred when Congress ruled both Haryana (Bhupinder Singh Hooda) and the Centre, raising allegations of regulatory favoritism[11][9].
• Vadra’s Stand: Robert Vadra has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling the case a “political vendetta” aimed at his family, which includes Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
• Other Ongoing Probes: Besides Shikohpur, Vadra faces ED investigations in land deals in Rajasthan and alleged financial ties to UK arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Recent Questioning and Next Steps

• ED Interrogation: On July 14, 2025, Vadra was questioned for over five hours about his links to Sanjay Bhandari, which he denied or avoided answering.
• Future Summons Likely: ED officials have indicated Vadra could be called again for further questioning as the investigation expands.
• Court Proceedings Pending: The court has yet to take cognizance of the chargesheet, meaning that trial processes are not yet underway.

The Big Picture

The ED’s latest moves in the Shikohpur land deal thrust Robert Vadra, one of the most prominent business figures linked to Indian political leadership, into the center of a high-stakes corruption and money laundering battle. With nationwide political implications and further legal proceedings expected, this case is set to remain in the headlines for months to come.