Vadra’s custodial questioning may be needed: ED

New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday told a Delhi court that Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, is not cooperating in the probe and the agency may require his custodial interrogation in a money laundering case.

Special Public Prosecutor D.P. 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 also filed a reply on Vadra's anticipatory bail plea.

The agency opposed Vadra's plea and requested the court to dismiss it.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 25, and extended interim protection from arrest granted to Vadra till that date.

The ED told the court that the investigation was at a crucial stage and Vadra has been enjoying the protection as a blanket.

"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.

The agency said that various incriminating documents have come on record to show the complicity of the accused persons.

The ED added that he is the beneficial owner of the various properties, which is under investigation in the instant case and they have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.

The case is based on an independent set of transactions initiated on the basis of the commission of offences under the Black Money Act, the agency stated.

The agency said that Vadra has become involved in political mudslinging.

The case relates to the ownership of overseas assets worth 1.9 million pounds by Vadra. It pertains to undisclosed foreign assets and entities to evade tax.

On December 7, 2018, the ED had raided several of Vadra's properties in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.