In a major political development, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has accused the Union government of targeting his brother-in-law Robert Vadra through politically motivated investigations. The statement came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Vadra in a decade-old Gurugram land deal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
This marks the first time a criminal prosecution has been initiated against Vadra by a central probe agency, intensifying the political narrative ahead of crucial state elections.
Robert Vadra Chargesheet: What We Know
On July 18, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a detailed chargesheet before the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi against Robert Vadra, who is the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The chargesheet relates to a land acquisition deal involving Skylight Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., a company linked to Vadra.
The ED alleges irregularities in a land purchase in Manesar-Shikohpur (now Sector 83) in Gurugram, Haryana, in which Vadra and other accused allegedly acquired land at undervalued rates using insider political access, then sold it at significant profits.
The agency has also attached 43 properties worth ₹37.6 crore belonging to Vadra and his firm under provisions of the PMLA.
Rahul Gandhi Calls It a “Witch Hunt”
Reacting strongly to the ED’s move, Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“My brother-in-law has been hounded by this government for the last ten years. This latest chargesheet is a continuation of that witch hunt.”
Rahul further expressed solidarity with his sister Priyanka, Vadra, and their children, asserting that the family has withstood political persecution with “dignity,” and declared that the “truth will eventually prevail.”
Robert Vadra Breaks Silence After Chargesheet
Soon after the chargesheet was filed, Robert Vadra’s office issued a statement, saying:
“Robert Vadra is aware of reports suggesting that the Directorate of Enforcement has filed a Prosecution Complaint naming him as an Accused before the Rouse Avenue Courts, Delhi. As the Court is yet to even take cognizance of the matter, Mr. Vadra has not had the opportunity to examine the Prosecution Complaint.”
Vadra emphasized his intention to cooperate with the legal process, adding that he looks forward to clearing his name in court.
A Decade-Old Case Comes to Light Again
The case traces back to October 2012, when IAS officer Ashok Khemka canceled the mutation of the said Gurugram land deal due to irregularities. Khemka, known for his honesty, has been transferred 57 times during his bureaucratic career and retired on April 30, 2024 after 34 years in service.
His decision triggered widespread media coverage and political commentary, bringing the spotlight on Vadra’s alleged business links. Over the years, various agencies, including the ED and Income Tax Department, have investigated the matter.
Political Reactions and Congress’s Stand
Congress leaders have long maintained that Vadra is being targeted for his relation to the Gandhi family. The party describes the charges as part of a “political vendetta” by the ruling government to silence opposition voices.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements come in the backdrop of increasing scrutiny on Opposition leaders and a series of actions by central agencies that many in the opposition view as selective and politically driven.
ED’s Legal Stand
According to ED sources quoted by PTI, the chargesheet details how alleged kickbacks and illegal profits were generated in the deal. These were then used to purchase multiple immovable properties, prompting the agency to invoke the money laundering provisions under PMLA.
ED claims to have evidence linking the proceeds of crime to the accused and asserts that there is a strong case for prosecution. The court is yet to take cognizance of the chargesheet, and further hearings are expected soon.
The Bigger Picture: Power, Politics, and Perception
The Robert Vadra case sits at the intersection of political rivalry, public perception, and legal accountability. While the ED insists it is acting on evidence and following due legal process, the Congress party continues to allege “selective targeting” of Opposition figures.
As the 2025 election season heats up, this case will likely be used by both sides to further their political narratives. For the BJP-led government, it’s a matter of enforcing anti-corruption laws. For the Opposition, it represents yet another instance of state machinery being used for political vendetta.
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