'Sufficient Material To Proceed': Delhi Court Takes Cognizance Of PMLA Complaint Against Robert Vadra, Others
A Delhi Court yeses took cognizance of a prosecution complaint filed by ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against businessman Robert Vadra and several others in connection with Gurugram land deal case.
Special judge Sushant Changotra of Rouse Avenue Courts observed that ED's prosecution complaint discloses “sufficient prima facie material” to proceed against the accused persons and companies.
The Court took cognizance under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA, read with Section 70 against accused Robert Vadra, Kewal Singh Virk, M/s SGY Properties Pvt. Ltd and multiple companies linked to Vadra, including Skylight Hospitality, Sky Light Realty etc.
”….the prosecution complaint and prima facie broader scrutiny of documents relied upon disclose sufficient material for proceeding further with the present complaint case against accused no. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 & 11,” the Court said.
”Accordingly, I take cognizance of the offences under section 3 r/w Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, punishable under Section 4 of the Act qua accused no. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 & 11,” it added.
The judge issued summons to the said accused for appearance before the Court.
However, the Court refused to summon one Satyanand Yajee, holding that he was not a director at the time of execution of the impugned sale deed and that there was no material to show his involvement in concealment, possession, or use of proceeds of crime.
“The prosecution has failed to show even iota of material on record so as to prima facie show that accused no. 2 Satyanand Yajee had indulged in any process or activity connected with proceeds of crime including its concealment or possession or acquisition or use or projecting or claiming it as untainted property,” the judge said.
As per the ED's case, a land parcel in Gurugram was allegedly transferred through a fraudulent sale deed without actual payment at the time of execution.
It was alleged that a commercial license was allegedly obtained in violation of rules using influence over public officials. The land was later sold to DLF for Rs. 58 crore, generating unlawful gains, as per ED.
It was alleged that funds were laundered through a web of companies controlled by Vadra and used for acquiring properties and other expenditures.