NEW DELHI: Businessman Robert Vadra’s interim protection from arrest was extended till March 25 by a court, which directed him to join the probe after the ED alleged that he was not cooperating in a money laundering case.Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a property in London.
In his plea, Vadra alleged he was being subjected to “unwarranted, unjustified and malicious criminal prosecution which on the face of it is completely politically motivated and is being carried out for reasons other than those prescribed under law”.
Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh told Special Judge Arvind Kumar that despite being given various opportunities, Vadra was not cooperating in the investigation and he is evasive in his responses.The ED filed a reply on Vadra’s anticipatory bail plea. The ED opposed Vadra’s plea and requested the court to dismiss it. The court listed the matter for hearing on March 25.
The ED told the court that the investigation was at a crucial stage and Vadra has been enjoying protection. “The application is the key link to unearth the modus operandi adopted by all the accused and it is in the interest of justice that the ED be given a ‘free’ hand to interrogate thoroughly,” the agency said.
It said incriminating documents have come on record to show the complicity of the accused persons. Vadra had in a “mala fide” manner raised certain grounds claimng to be a “victim of a political vendetta” and harassment at the hands of the agency, said the ED.“The allegations were totally unfounded and devoid of any merits. The investigation, in compliance with the procedure established by law, has been conducted as per the evidence on record disclosing commission of grave economic offences,” it said.