New Delhi, 09 April (H.S.):

The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, has dismissed a petition filed by UK-based arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari challenging a trial court’s order declaring him a fugitive economic offender in a money laundering probe. The court had reserved its verdict on August 21, 2025, delivering the succinct ruling today: “Appeal dismissed.”

During hearings, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), represented by Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, underscored that the trial court had identified assets worth ₹655 crore illicitly amassed by Bhandari.

Raju highlighted the July 5, 2025, Rouse Avenue Court declaration, supported by evidence of ₹655 crore laundered through hawala channels. He noted Bhandari owed ₹100 crore in taxes at the time, alongside allegations of ₹196 crore in tax evasion.

Declaring him a fugitive paves the way for asset attachment and confiscation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Bhandari’s counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, countered that the ED flouted due process, alleging the agency sought to seize ₹400-500 crore in assets while denying Bhandari a chance to contest claims. Sibal disputed the ₹100 crore tax liability, arguing no formal assessment had concluded, rendering the dues unsubstantiated.

The ED’s 2017 case stemmed from an Income Tax chargesheet under the Black Money Act, 2015, implicating UAE businessman C.C. Thampi and UK-based Sumit Chadha—both summoned but absconding.

The probe traces commissions allegedly earned during the UPA regime, funneled into London properties purportedly benefiting Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, whom Bhandari is said to have closely advised. Vadra has refuted the allegations.

Earlier, the ED seized properties in Delhi’s Panchsheel Shopping Complex (Panchsheel Park), registered under SB Hospitality and Services Pvt Ltd, alongside assets worth ₹21 crore nationwide. A December 2023 supplementary chargesheet named Thampi and Chadha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar