In a major development in the ongoing land acquisition probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against businessman Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in connection with the Shikohpur land deal case. The chargesheet, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), includes details of alleged irregularities in land acquisition and transfer, particularly involving Vadra’s firm Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
43 Properties Worth ₹37.6 Crore Attached
According to official sources and news agency ANI, the ED has also attached 43 properties worth ₹37.6 crore belonging to Vadra and Skylight Hospitality. These assets are believed to be the proceeds of crime, allegedly earned through illegal land deals in Haryana’s Gurugram district.
The ED had earlier summoned Vadra on April 8, 2025, to join the investigation. However, citing personal constraints, he sought an extension. Vadra eventually appeared before the agency on April 15.
What Is the Shikohpur Land Deal Case?
The case dates back to February 2008, when Skylight Hospitality purchased approximately three acres of land in Shikohpur village, Gurugram, for ₹7.5 crore. Later, the Haryana town planning department issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to develop a commercial colony on 2.71 acres of that land.
Subsequently, Skylight Hospitality entered into a deal with real estate giant DLF, agreeing to sell the same land for a staggering ₹58 crore. This exponential increase in land value has raised suspicions regarding insider manipulation and undue political influence.
IAS Officer Ashok Khemka’s Rol
The matter gained traction after senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka, known for his integrity and frequent transfers (57 times during his 34-year career), cancelled the mutation of the property in October 2012. The mutation process is crucial as it reflects legal transfer of ownership.
Khemka’s cancellation raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the transaction and brought the deal under public and legal scrutiny.
Robert Vadra’s Response: “Political Vendetta”
Robert Vadra has consistently denied all allegations. In a public statement, he termed the ED’s actions as part of a “political vendetta” aimed at targeting the Gandhi family. He stated that the charges were intended to silence dissent and harass opposition leaders, especially Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
“I have always complied with the law and will continue to do so. This is nothing but a targeted campaign,” Vadra said in an earlier media interaction.
Who Else Is Named in the Chargesheet?
The chargesheet reportedly includes several other individuals and entities involved in the transaction, though their identities have not yet been disclosed officially. Legal experts expect further action, including court proceedings and possible arrests, depending on the court’s review of the evidence.
Political Ramifications
The case comes at a politically sensitive time, with general elections looming. The Congress party has claimed that central agencies are being misused to tarnish the image of its leaders, while the BJP maintains that no one is above the law.
This incident may influence the political narrative, particularly as land deals and corruption charges often resonate deeply with voters concerned about transparency and accountability.
Summary of Timeline:
- 2008: Skylight Hospitality purchases 3-acre land in Shikohpur for ₹7.5 crore
- 2008 (Later): Sells land to DLF for ₹58 crore after receiving LoI
- 2012: IAS officer Ashok Khemka cancels the mutation
- April 2025: ED summons Vadra; he appears on April 15
- July 2025: ED files chargesheet, attaches 43 properties worth ₹37.6 crore
The Shikohpur land case against Robert Vadra underscores the complexities of real estate dealings involving political connections. While the legal battle continues, the matter highlights the need for greater transparency in land acquisitions and political-business nexus. It remains to be seen how the courts and investigating agencies proceed with the evidence on record.
Stay tuned for further updates as this high-profile case unfolds in the coming weeks
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