A day after Robert Vadra’s link with controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari cropped up, BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh too finds himself in the dock over allegations that he shared close ties with Bhandari.
The Congress on Tuesday wrote to CBI and Enforcement Directorate about Bhandari’s link with Singh, disclosing that as many as 450 calls were made between him and Bhandari. Reacting to allegations, Singh said he knew Bhandari for 20 years as a family friend.
“It’s a social relationship and friendship, certainly not a business relationship. Since the Congress has asked for an investigation into this, I must say that I have absolutely no issues with it. Please go ahead and carry out an investigation... I have nothing to hide. As far as 450-call allegation goes — I’m sorry that is completely incorrect,” said Singh.
The BJP leader said he was not aware of Bhandari’s business and had attended his daughter’s wedding. Singh said he was under the impression that Bhandari was engaged in refinery business, and he learnt of his arms dealing activities only after raids on Bhandari’s office.
The media reported that the call detail records show a senior editor of English daily was also in touch with the controversial arms dealer. Media reports also said that Bhandari was a frequenter to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. “Hundreds of people come to meet me daily. I may have met him but have no idea who he is,” said Dikshit.
Income Tax sleuths had unearthed Bhandari’s link with Vadra and role of Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law’s connection with him in purchase of Rs19 crore worth home in london.