The Finance Ministry is probing links that shows that a controversial arms dealer might have bought a “benami” mansion in london for Robert Vadra in 2009.  According to NDTV, the probe is focused on e-mail communications of Vadra and his executive assistant Manoj Arora. The questioning of Defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari is also part of the probe.

According to NDTV, last month, the Enforcement agencies raided 18 premises owned by Sanjay Bhandari. Two preliminary reports prepared by enforcement and tax officials after those raids have been accessed exclusively by the TV channel. These reports state that Robert Vadra and his executive assistant sent several emails discussing payments and renovations for the london home (12 Ellerton House, Bryanston Square) bought for 19 lakh GBP (Rs 19 crore) in October 2009 and sold in June 2010.

Vadra’s lawyers told NDTV that  he “does not own directly or indirectly, any house described by you as No 12, Ellerton House, Bryanston Square, london” and that Vadra and his assistant “have not entered into any transaction of a financial nature with Sanjay Bhandari and are not even aware that Bhandari is involved in any defense transaction.”

Two different preliminary reports, seen by NDTV, say Vadra’s emails, as well as those of his assistant Manoj Arora, were sent to Sumit Chadda, a relative of Bhandari’s based in london.

One report says, “There was an email dated April 4, 2010 in which Sumit Chadda reported the progress of work of renovation and repair work to Robert Vadra and asked for reimbursement of expenses.” 

The report then quotes Vadra replying to Chadda, saying, “He would look into the issue,” and added that his “secretary” Manoj will be “in touch”. Thereafter, the report says, “Subsequently, Manoj kept in touch with Sumit Chadda using an email ID Exim Real Estate”.

“It is shocking but not surprising,” said BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, adding, “I would approach the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax, and request them to check the property and any non-transparency in the transaction.”

Bhandari is the  owner of Offset India Solutions (OIS). A covert Intelligence Bureau report had red-flagged his business dealings in 2014 right after the Modi Government took office and advised the Defence Ministry to keep him at a distance. 

As per the NDTV, the report says that “Sanjay Bhandari was specifically questioned whether Robert Vadra was the beneficiary of the sale of the Bryanston Square property in london. He did not deny the same but avoided a direct answer by stating that he would be able to confirm it by referring it to sale deed kept with his lawyer in london.”