Newly revealed emails establish Vadra-Sanjay Bhandari link
What's the story
Robert Vadra has consistently denied links with arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Such reports surfaced when it emerged that Bhandari had refurbished Vadra's flat at Bryanton Square, London, in 2016. Bhandari was under investigation for allegedly swinging a jet trainer deal for a Swiss company. For the first time, Times Now claims to have accessed emails that establish a clear link between Vadra and Bhandari.
Profile
Bhandari and his suspicious Offset India Solutions
Bhandari, who had risen fast in the industry, was known for his political connections and could get contracts moving. The main promoter of Offset India Solutions (OIS) first found himself in trouble in 2010 when his name cropped up in an IAF deal with Swiss company Pilatus. Other players also noticed OIS spending hugely on marketing itself at international shows despite no major contracts.
Scam
The Pilatus deal in question
In May 2012, the UPA government inked a Rs. 2,896cr deal with Switzerland's Pilatus for 75 BTA; HAL was also a contender. Last year, his properties were raided. Agencies then discovered Bhandari and OIS had received around 7,50,000 Swiss Francs from Pilatus in 2010. Bhandari left for London in December'16. The CBI started a probe in July'17.
Information
Bhandari's links to Vadra
Several people confirmed they had often seen Bhadari hanging out with Vadra, including at arms expos in Dubai. A frequent haunt for them was a hotel on Lodhi Road. Last June, Bhadari finally admitted he had exchanged mails with Vadra for refurbishing his London apartment.
Tickets
Did Bhandari also buy air tickets for Vadra to Switzerland?
Bhandari bought at least two air tickets worth Rs. 8L for Vadra from Vishal Bajpai of Delhi-based International Travel Hom. Both are of August 2012. One was for August 13 and the other for August 17. Incidentally, the second flight was from Nice to Zurich, Switzerland's financial capital. This was the same time when Bhandari was being probed.
Information
What's happening in the case now?
Three months ago, the ED attached Bhandari's properties worth Rs. 20cr. He has been charged with violation of the Official Secrets Act. Presently, India is attempting to get Bhandari extradited.