Robert Vadra shows up before ED for third time in money laundering case probe

New Delhi, Feb 9 Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, on Saturday showed up before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the third time regarding a probe into allegations of money laundering in purchase of assets abroad.

Vadra landed at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10.45 am in his private vehicle.

Authorities said the investigating officer (IO) of the case required Vadra to answer more inquiries regarding the case and consequently was approached to oust on Saturday, after his two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7.

While Vadra was grilled for the first time for around five-and-a-half hours, he was questioned the second time for concerning 9 hours.

It is understood that the last time Vadra was "faced with" documents that the agency had gotten or seized as a major aspect of its probe in the case, including those connected to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has guaranteed some more will be given as and when he gets them, official sources had said.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the buy of a London-based property situated at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is purportedly possessed by him.

The office has told a Delhi court that it has gotten data about different new properties in London which have a place with Vadra. These incorporate two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other esteemed at 4 million GBP, six different pads and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations from claiming having illicit foreign assets and termed them a political witch chase against him. He said he was being "dogged and hassled" to subserve political finishes.

Sources said Vadra's announcement is being recorded under Section 50 (forces of experts with respect to summons, creation of archives and to give proof) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done the last two times.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, as of late selected Congress general secretary responsible for eastern Uttar Pradesh, went with him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Vadra is also expected to dismiss before the ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an another money-laundering case identified with a land trick in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.