Ed
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Expansion
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved a court here to attach two properties in the United Kingdom of alleged defense dealer Sanjay Bhandari. This also includes a property reportedly renovated and stalled by Robert Vadra. The agency has identified two immovable properties located at 12, Bryanston Square and 6, Groswarner Hill Court, 15 Borden Street in London as proceeds of crime and Bhandari’s undeclared foreign assets.
Vadra, son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has earlier denied that he owns any London property, directly or indirectly. The ED, while filing its second chargesheet in the case last month, had sought permission from the special court to seize the two properties under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The prosecution’s complaint was taken on record on December 22 and the next hearing of the case will be on January 29.
ED’s statement issued on Tuesday had said that Robert Vadra, through Sumit Chadha, not only renovated the said property at 12 Bryanston Square, London, but also lived in the same. ED and CBI are investigating money laundering cases and tax evasion related to declarations made abroad against Bhandari. These properties of Bhandari also include the property of 12 Bryanston Square.
While issuing NBW against Chadha, the Special Judge of Rouse Avenue Court said that in view of the ED’s request and the report dated October 16, 2023, he believes that the presence of accused Sumit Chadha cannot be ensured through the normal process. In such a situation, the court issues NBW against the accused for his appearance.