Robert Vadra gets permission to travel abroad for tumor treatment
What's the story
Businessman Robert Vadra, who is an accused in a money laundering case, has been allowed to travel abroad. Last week, Vadra filed a plea at Delhi court seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. His lawyer informed the court that Vadra has a small tumor in his large intestine. Special Judge Arvind Kumar had reserved the verdict for June 3, Monday. Here's more.
Context
Backstory: Vadra's lawyer said he is ill, ED shot back
Vadra's lawyer KTS Tulsi told the court that Vadra would like to go to London to get a second opinion on the illness. Meanwhile, Enforcement Directorate (ED), opposed the idea and claimed the probe has reached a crucial stage. "He is facing serious charges. His medical condition is merely a pretext where laundered money is parked," Solicitor General Tushar Mehra had argued.
Conditions
You can't go to Britain: Court tells Vadra
Notably, Tulsi also told the court that if ED has a problem with the UK, Vadra won't go there. After hearing both sides, Judge Kumar pronounced the verdict. He allowed Vadra to leave India for six weeks but underlined that he can't go to the UK. The court said he is free to visit the Netherlands or the US for treatment.
Information
Vadra has been asked to return before deadline ends
Further, the court said any lookout circular issued against Vadra will remain suspended for the six weeks time. The court asked him to submit his full travel schedule and return to India before the deadline ends.
Case
Here's why Vadra is being probed by ED
Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and husband of Priyanka Gandhi, has been on ED's radar for long. ED claims that a UK-based company Syntak received kickbacks for petroleum and defense deals which were signed in 2009 and 2005 respectively. The kickbacks were used to purchase four properties in the UK. One of them, a mansion worth £1.9 million, was bought by Vadra, said ED.
Questioning
ED has summoned Vadra several times and he is miffed
Vadra was charged under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He has been questioned several times but has repeatedly denied all allegations. Vadra calls himself a victim of a "political witchhunt". In fact, on Thursday, after he was questioned for more than four hours, he slammed ED for summoning him 11 times. Unaffected by his frustration, ED asked him to appear on Tuesday again.