Kolkata civic body issues notices to Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee seeking property documents
The notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the KMC Act, 1980, which allows owners of allegedly illegal constructions an opportunity to appear before civic authorities and present their case. KOLKATA: The Trinamool Congress-ruled Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued notices to Abhishek Banerjee, party’s all India general secretary and MP from Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha (LS) constituency in West Bengal asking him to submit plans of around 21 landed properties to the KMC soon, according to highly-placed sources at the civic body. Sources requesting anonymity said that the KMC’s building department has issued the notices seeking to verify whether the construction works come up on these land match with building plans approved by the corporation concerned. The MP has also been asked to produce the necessary documents in connection with building plans and construction works of these properties allegedly linked to a company named ‘Leaps and Bounds’, sources said. The KMC authorities wanted to know whether these properties are legal. The civic body headed by the Trinamool Congress MLA Firhad Hakim as its mayor served notices on the properties owned by Abhishek or linked to him, asking him or his representatives to appear for a hearing with approved building plans, civic body sources said. The properties include 188A Harish Mukherjee Road, Abhishek’s residence, and an adjacent building on Kalighat Road. The notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the KMC Act, 1980, which allows owners of allegedly illegal constructions an opportunity to appear before civic authorities and present their case. An official said the notices followed an internal inquiry by the KMC that found deviations from sanctioned building plans. “We served notices on properties owned by Abhishek Banerjee or having links with him. Some notices were pasted on the facades of the buildings, while others were handed over to people present there. The owners have been asked to appear before the special officer (building) at the KMC headquarters. They can also send their representatives,” an official of the KMC said. Following an instruction of the Suvendu Adhiokari-led first-ever BJP government in West Bengal, the KMC has prepared a list of properties belonging to Abhishek Banerjee individually or jointly with other partners in the KMC area. Neither Abhishek nor his secretary Sumit Roy responded to the WhatsApp messages sent to them by TNIE on Monday seeking their reactions on the matter. The notices were served on Monday evening, around the same time Suvendu speaking at BJP’s victory celebration rally on Camac Street where Abhishek’s office is located, said he had directed senior government officials to obtain property details of four Trinamool leaders, including the Diamond Harbour MP and number two after Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee. “I had asked the secretary of the municipal affairs department and the commissioner of the KMC (to obtain property details) of four persons,” Suvendu said at the rally before naming them. The first one is Beleghata’s Raju Naskar, who has 18 properties recorded in his name. Second is Kasba’s Sona Pappu, who has 24 properties. Third is ‘Bhatija’ (nephew) Abhishek Banerjee. There are 14 properties registered in the name of the Leaps and Bounds company, four in his own name and six in the name of his father, according to the CM Suvendu. The fourth is the son of Javed Khan, Trinamool Congress’ three-time MLA from Kasba constituency, who has 90 properties, Suvendu claimed. Suvendu had made similar allegations against Abhishek on Saturday when he was addressing a rally for re-election in Falta constituency under the Diamond Harbour LS seat sharpening attacks on Mamata and her nephew. He had also threatened to initiate inquiries against the former CM on the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College Hospital and Abhishek’s alleged disproportionate properties. He alleged that Mamata during her regime had used three IPS officers to supress facts and tamper evidences related to the incident. Subhendu Maiti Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Modi government failed to address energy crisis amid war: Opposition on fuel price hikes
Opposition leaders slammed the Modi government over the second consecutive fuel price hike in less than a week. They argued that the profits from the fuel cess, at a time when crude oil prices were low, were not being passed on to the public. Petrol and diesel prices were increased by around 90 paise per litre on May 19, and the state-run oil companies resumed revisions following a nearly four-year freeze. In New Delhi, petrol prices rose to Rs 98.64 per litre from Rs 97.77, while diesel increased to Rs 91.58 from Rs 90.67. The latest revision follows a Rs 3 per litre hike announced on May 15, the first increase in over four years, as soaring global crude oil prices, triggered by the Iran conflict. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Economic shock will not hit Adani, Ambani, Modi but youth and small traders: Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli
Gandhi said a major economic shock not seen for many years is on the way. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said “very, very tough times are coming”. He claimed that an “economic shock” is coming and it will not hit “Adani, Ambani, or Modi,” but the youth, labourers, and small traders. Gandhi said a major economic shock not seen for many years is on the way. He also accused the Prime Minister of not following his own call for austerity. “In times of crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is telling the countrymen not to travel outside but he himself is travelling around the world instead of handling the situation,” said Gandhi while addressing a gathering. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the economic structure created by PM Modi would not affect Adani and Ambani, nor the Prime Minister, but would hit ordinary people the hardest. “He will sit in his palaces, and the youth of Uttar Pradesh and the public will face a complete shock,” he added. Rahul Gandhi said the situation would lead to a shock “unlike anything seen before” and warned of the difficult times ahead. “It will be a shock unlike anything seen before. Difficult times are ahead,” he warned. The Congress MP made the attack on PM Modi while visiting the Churuwa Hanuman Temple in his home constituency Raebareli on the occasion of Bada Mangal. While interacting with media persons, when Rahul was asked about the possible alliance with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, he said he did not want to divert attention from key issues, stressing that fuel prices remained a major concern at present. On Tuesday, Gandhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli, landed at the Lucknow airport and left for his constituency straight from there. Gandhi is on a two-day visit to the party bastions of Raebareli and Amethi. He was received by UP Congress chief Ajay Rai and Congress Legislative Party leader Aradhana Mishra at the airport. Within the Congress, the visit is being seen as politically significant, with leaders saying the message Gandhi delivers from the family bastions could help shape the party’s strategy ahead of the state assembly election due early next year. During his visit on May 19 and 20, the Rae Bareli MP would inaugurate development projects, address public meetings, interact with women and party workers, and hold Janata Darbars. Party leaders say the outreach is aimed at laying the foundation for the Congress’ “Mission UP” campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. From Lucknow, Rahul left for Rae Bareli by road. On the way, he stopped his convoy and visited the Churuwa Temple to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. Later, he inaugurated a marriage hall built through MP funds in Bachhrawan and interacted with local villagers. Rahul Gandhi will stay in Rae Bareli on Tuesday. On May 20, he will meet people during a public interaction programme and unveil the statue of freedom fighter Veera Pasi. After that, he will leave for Amethi. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi has visited Rae Bareli six times. This is his seventh visit. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Delhi Court dismisses jailed activist Umar Khalid’s bail plea to care for ailing mother
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai was hearing Khalid’s application seeking 15 days of interim bail to attend the 40-day post-death ritual of his uncle and take care of his mother who has to undergo a surgery. A Delhi court on Tuesday rejected jailed activist Umar Khalid’s bail plea to care for his ailing mother. The court dismissed the bail plea of former JNU student, accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, saying the grounds for seeking the relief are unreasonable. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai was hearing Khalid’s application seeking 15 days’ interim bail to attend the 40-day post-death ritual (Chehlum) of his uncle and take care of his mother, who has to undergo a surgery. In his order, the judge said, “The court is of the view that attending the Chehlum ceremony of his uncle is not that necessary. Things would have been different if the ceremony was of a person who was in immediate relation with the applicant.” The court also said Khalid could have sought the relief immediately after his uncle’s death if the relationship was so close. “If the relationship was so immediate and thick, the applicant would have asked for the release at the time of the death of his uncle only and not now after such a long time. Therefore, the court does not find this reason to be just,” the judge said. Opposing Khalid’s bail plea, Special Public Prosecutor Anirudh Mishra told the court that the accused has five sisters and a father who can help his mother pre and post surgery. “The surgery is not a serious one and is just a minor surgery, in which only local anaesthesia is given, and as such, again, there is no need for the accused to attend to his mother,” Mishra said. Taking note of the prosecution’s submissions, the court said Khalid himself had stated that he has five sisters and that his father is also available to take care of his mother. “Further, as said by the prosecution, the surgery is very simple, that is, just for the removal of lumps, and there seems to be no actual requirement of help from the side of the applicant,” the court said while denying bail to Khalid. Khalid is an accused in the conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 communal riots in northeast Delhi. He was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the IPC for allegedly being a mastermind of the 2020 riots that left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. The researcher and scholar was arrested in the case on September 13, 2020. Khalid’s first regular bail plea was dismissed by the court on March 24, 2022, following which the Delhi High Court rejected his appeal against the order on October 18 of the same year. Activists Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain, among others, were booked for their alleged involvement in the larger conspiracy case, which is being investigated by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ernakulam pins high hopes on UDF’s ‘power cabinet’
With CM from dist, a stronger voice in policy making is expected KOCHI: As Kerala steps into a new political era under Chief Minister V D Satheesan, expectations are running especially high in Ernakulam district, the state’s commercial hub that now enjoys unprecedented representation in the cabinet. From the long-pending Angamaly bypass, additional ring roads and stronger road-rail connectivity to the development of emerging urban centres like Muvattupuzha, residents and industry leaders are hoping the new government will finally fast-track projects that have remained on paper for years. With the chief minister himself representing the district, along with ministers Roji M John, Anoop Jacob and V E Abdul Gafoor, Ernakulam expects a stronger voice in policy making and infrastructure planning. The demand for improved connectivity has once again taken centre stage. Civic groups and planners argue that Kochi can no longer sustain rising traffic pressure without large-scale interventions including new bypasses, ring roads and alternative urban corridors connecting nearby towns. “The government should design a strategy to reduce pressure on the city. Along with the Sabari Rail project, a 50 to 60-metre-wide road should also be developed,” said V J Kurian, former managing director of Cochin International Airport Limited. “If such a high-speed corridor becomes a reality, it could significantly reduce congestion in the city. This will particularly benefit people travelling from Erumely,” he said. Kurian also stressed that development should not remain confined to Kochi.“There should be equal focus on developing cities like Muvattupuzha. After the airport, the Kochi Metro was the only major project Ernakulam received, and even that is yet to be fully completed,” he said. According to him, the long-pending Kundannoor-Angamaly bypass must figure among the government’s top priorities. Industry leaders, meanwhile, have highlighted the need to create a more business-friendly ecosystem in Kochi. Vinodini Sukumar, president of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government must focus on youth-centric initiatives and startup support. “Kochi has a large youth population and the government should introduce startup training programmes and youth-oriented initiatives,” she said. There is a growing trend of entrepreneurs starting ventures here but registering them outside Kerala because of the lack of a conducive business environment in the city, she added. D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, stressed the need to improve urban living standards. “From water supply to roads and electricity, Kochi deserves focused attention as it hosts major institutions including Cochin Shipyard,” he said. Social activist Ranjith Thampi echoed similar concerns. “Infrastructure continues to be one of Ernakulam’s biggest concerns. The district needs more ring roads and better connectivity,” he said. “Now, with a minister from Angamaly in place, people are once again hoping the Angamaly bypass project will finally become a reality. There is also a growing demand for a second bridge connecting mainland Kochi and Bolgatty, which has long been a dream for many residents,” he added. What District wants Early completion of Angamaly bypass More ring roads and smoother connectivity Development of Muvattupuzha and eastern belt Better climate for startups and business Upgraded roads, water and transport infrastructure Abhirami Anil Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Stage overrun as massive crowd threatens to derail security protocol in Kerala
But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the swearing-in ceremonies of the new governments in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, all eyes were on whether Kerala too would opt for a flamboyant, festival-like spectacle or stick to the sombre tradition usually associated with such occasions in the state. When the protocol wing of the general administration department got in touch with Lok Bhavan, the latter preferred to follow convention – seating on the dais only for the governor, the ministers being sworn in and the chief secretary. But for the Congress-led UDF, for whom the event marked a historic return to power after a decade, a restrained ceremony would have undermined the spirit of the occasion. Late on Sunday, Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan made a special request to Governor Rajendra Arlekar to permit additional dignitaries on the dais. “Though Satheesan initially preferred a simple ceremony, there was pressure from the AICC to ensure that Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders were accommodated on the stage,” said a source privy to the developments. “Since the governor did not want the new government’s tenure to begin on a sour note, he did not object to the chief minister’s request,” said a top official. The presence of nearly two dozen chairs in the front row and an almost equal number behind them offered an early indication of what was to come. However, matters soon spiralled beyond expectations. The swearing-in ceremony began nearly 15 minutes late after security personnel reportedly informed officials that the arrangements on the dais did not conform to the governor’s security protocol. Besides the dignitaries, members of their personal staff too remained standing behind the chairs, further crowding the stage. Governor Arlekar himself was seen navigating through nearly 60 people on the dais upon his arrival. “When the chief minister met the governor after the ceremony, he expressed regret over the way the arrangements had eventually unfolded. Even P K Kunhalikutty felt that the scale of the crowd frenzy had gone beyond expectations and resulted in a degree of chaos,” the official added. Sovi Vidyadharan Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Team Satheesan kicks off on a welfare note
Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid thunderous cheers from a teeming crowd and in the presence of a galaxy of VIPs, V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala’s 13th Chief Minister along with 20 cabinet colleagues at a glittering ceremony at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday. True to his word, Satheesan wasted no time after assuming office, rolling out two major poll promises: free travel for women on KSRTC buses from June 15 and the launch of India’s first dedicated government department for senior citizens. In a major relief for striking ASHA workers, the government also announced a Rs 3,000 hike in their monthly honorarium. Satheesan, who had sharply criticised the previous LDF government over its “poor handling” of the economy, also announced the cabinet’s decision to release a white paper on the state’s financial health. Addressing a packed press conference after his cabinet’s first meeting, a composed Satheesan said he was fully aware of the enormity of the task ahead and made it clear that his administration was determined to break from rigid precedents. While the finer details of the free transit scheme are being worked out, Satheesan said the new elderly welfare department would, within two months, prepare a comprehensive road map inspired by global models such as Japan’s to ensure senior citizens can live with dignity. The chief minister said the government’s goal was to build a system that would make Kerala proudly stand out as a truly civilised society. Signalling immediate relief for grassroots health and welfare workers, the cabinet approved a first-phase `3,000 hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers, raising their monthly pay from Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000, with the promise of a second-stage increase later. Satheesan said a final decision on their retirement benefits would be taken within a month. The government also announced a Rs 1,000 salary hike for anganwadi workers, helpers and cooks, as well as pre-primary teachers and nannies. On the fiscal front, Satheesan said the government would publish a white paper, prepared with the support of economic experts, to give people a clear picture of the state’s financial health. SIT will probe ‘police excesses’ during Nava Kerala Sadas: CM The administration will also chart its next course after receiving a detailed report on the economic impact of the fuel price hike, while simultaneously reviewing monsoon preparedness. In a major political and administrative move, Satheesan announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged police excesses against Congress workers during the Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023. Declaring, “We will not forget anything,” he insisted the move was not driven by political vendetta. Justifying the decision, the chief minister accused the previous regime of inaction, pointing out that a court in Alappuzha had ordered a reinvestigation of the case but no steps were taken. “The SIT will reinvestigate the case,” he said. In another clear departure from the previous administration, Satheesan assured greater access for the media to the state secretariat, saying the additional restrictions imposed by the former government would be reviewed. Portfolio row pushes govt into first crisis T’Puram: Hours after assuming office, the V D Satheesan government is facing its first major test as the chief minister and the Congress leadership have failed to arrive at a consensus over allocation of portfolios to certain ministers. 1st cabinet meeting Major decisions Free travel for women in KSRTC buses from June 15 Dedicated department for senior citizens; expert study to be initiated soon Rs 3,000 hike in monthly honorarium of ASHA workers; decision on retirement benefits in one month Rs 1,000 hike for anganwadi workers and helpers, noon-meal workers, pre-primary teachers and helpers Special Investigation Team to probe attacks during Nava Kerala Sadas in 2023 White paper to be published on financial status of treasury Decision to reduce fuel price hike burden will be taken after fiscal impact analysis To monitor monsoon preparedeness Assembly Session Special assembly session to held on May 21; MLAs to be sworn-in on the day Senior leader G Sudhakaran to be pro tem speaker Speaker’s election on May 22 Governor’s policy declaration on May 29 First session of 16th Kerala Assembly from May 29 Budget most likely on June 5 New appointments Advocate General: Adv Jaju Babu (Senior High Court lawyer) Director General of Prosecution: Adv T Asaf Ali Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
UDF returns to power after 10 years; thousands gather for swearing-in in Thiruvananthapuram
Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge and senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were scheduled to attend the swearing-in ceremony. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala capital turned into a sea of white on Monday as thousands of UDF workers and supporters from across the state gathered for the oath-taking ceremony of the Congress-led government, which returned to power after a decade-long Left rule with a thumping victory in the Assembly polls. The pavilion set up at the Central Stadium for the swearing-in ceremony was packed with UDF workers and supporters wearing white khadi shirts and mundu, waving flags of alliance partners and raising slogans in support of the coalition. The crowd, including children, braved the humid weather to attend the event. Many others who could not enter the venue gathered around the stadium in large numbers. Many people told reporters that they had waited 10 years to see their alliance return to power and said it would be a great government. “When a UDF government comes back to power after 10 years, it will energise every Congress worker,” they said and shouted — “team UDF and UDF zindabad”. Supporters also danced to the beats of drums played inside and outside the pavilion, celebrating the alliance’s return to power. From 8 am onwards, party leaders, MLA-elects and MPs arrived at the venue one after another. Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge and senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were scheduled to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Tight security arrangements were put in place across the state capital ahead of the high-profile event. Special traffic arrangements were also made in view of the large number of VIPs and UDF supporters arriving in the city. Traffic and parking regulations remained in effect from 7 am to 4 pm. The Assembly elections to the 140-member House were held on April 9, and the results were declared on May 4. The Congress-led UDF won 102 seats, while the LDF secured 35 seats and the BJP won three. The MLAs are scheduled to take oath on May 21, followed by the election of the Assembly Speaker on May 22. The Governor’s policy address is scheduled for May 29, and the state budget is likely to be presented by June 5. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
V D Satheesan takes oath as Kerala Chief Minister with 20-member Cabinet as UDF returns to power after a decade
Congress-led alliance assumes power in Kerala after sweeping Assembly poll victory over the LDF; Rahul Gandhi, Kharge and top leaders attend swearing-in ceremony. A decade after being pushed to the opposition benches, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) stormed back to power in Kerala on Monday, with VD Satheesan taking oath as the state’s 13th Chief Minister at a high-voltage ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram. In a packed Central Stadium drenched in Congress flags, drumbeats and chants of “UDF zindabad”, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Satheesan and his 20-member Cabinet, formally ending the CPI(M)-led LDF’s 10-year rule in the state. Thousands of UDF workers and supporters from across Kerala flooded the capital city from early morning, turning the venue and surrounding roads into a sea of white khadi shirts and mundu. As Satheesan rose to take oath in the name of God, the crowd erupted in celebration, marking what many Congress workers described as the party’s biggest political comeback in years. The 61-year-old Paravur MLA, credited with rebuilding the Congress organisation and scripting the UDF’s emphatic electoral victory, assumes office after leading the alliance to a stunning 102-seat triumph in the 140-member Assembly. The LDF was reduced to 35 seats, while the BJP won three. The swearing-in ceremony doubled as a show of strength for the Congress nationally, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra occupying the front row. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were among the senior Congress leaders who attended the event. Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, now set to become the Leader of Opposition, was also present along with Left leaders and BJP representatives, including state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Satheesan’s ministry signals both continuity and generational transition. Fourteen of the 21 ministers, including the Chief Minister himself, are first-timers in executive office, a rare reshaping of Kerala’s political establishment. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was widely seen as a contender for the chief ministership, took oath as the third member of the Cabinet and is expected to handle the powerful Home portfolio. K. Muraleedharan, A.P. Anil Kumar and KPCC president Sunny Joseph are among the senior Congress faces in the ministry. The IUML, the second-largest constituent in the UDF, secured five Cabinet berths with P.K. Kunhalikutty emerging as the coalition’s second most powerful figure politically. RSP leader Shibu Baby John, Kerala Congress (Joseph) leader Mons Joseph, Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader Anoop Jacob and CMP leader C.P. John also joined the ministry. The Cabinet includes two women ministers , Bindhu Krishna and K.A. Thulasi, while Scheduled Caste representation has increased to two with Thulasi and A.P. Anil Kumar becoming ministers. Among the new-generation faces in the ministry are P.C. Vishnunadh, Roji M. John, T. Siddique, M. Liju and O.J. Janeesh from the Congress, besides IUML leaders N. Shamsudheen, K.M. Shaji, P.K. Basheer and V.E. Abdul Gafoor. The mood outside the stadium resembled a festival. Supporters danced to percussion performances, waved giant party flags and burst into slogans as ministers took oath one after another. Security was tightened across the capital with heavy police deployment and traffic restrictions in place throughout the day. For the Congress in Kerala, the day marked more than just a change of government. It signalled the return of the UDF after two consecutive defeats, the rise of Satheesan from Opposition leader to Chief Minister, and the beginning of what the party hopes will be a long-awaited political reset in the state. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Robert Vadra withdraws from Delhi HC plea challenging trial court order in Haryana land deal case
The counsel for Vadra said he would make “appropriate submissions” before the trial court at an “appropriate stage.” Businessman and spouse of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Robert Vadra, on Monday withdrew in the Delhi High Court his petition challenging a trial court order summoning him for questioning in a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Haryana. The probe against Vadra is linked to the land deal at Manesar-Shikohpur (now Sector 83) in Gurugram district. “Learned counsel for the petitioner, at the very outset, submits that as per his instructions, the petitioner is not interested in pursuing the present petition and they seek to withdraw the same unconditionally,” Justice Manoj Jain recorded in the order. The counsel for Vadra said he would make “appropriate submissions” before the trial court at an “appropriate stage.” All rights and contentions of the parties are kept open and the petition is disposed of, Justice Jain said. Last week, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had opposed the petition, contending that it was based on a false legal submission. The agency made the claim while countering the submission by Vadra’s lawyer, senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who argued that ED lacked the jurisdiction to probe the case as the offences filed against the petitioner under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act were not “scheduled offences” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at the relevant time. Singhvi argued that the land deal admittedly happened between 2008 and 2012, and the offences forming the basis of the ED case were only included in the schedule in 2013 and 2018. However, the ED’s lawyer said the petitioner’s contention was incorrect and was a “complete false statement on law.” On April 15, 2026, the trial court took cognisance of offences in the charge sheet filed by ED in July 2025 and asked Vadra and others to appear before it on May 16. This was the first time that any probe agency filed a charge sheet against the 57-year-old Vadra in a criminal case. In April 2025, the ED had questioned him for three consecutive days. In the cognisance order, Special Judge Sushant Changotra had said that the chargesheet and a prima facie broader scrutiny of the documents, disclosed sufficient material to proceed further against Vadra and eight other accused persons. “Accordingly, I take cognisance of the offences under Section 3 (money laundering) read with Section 70 (offences committed by companies) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, punishable under Section 4 of the Act,” the judge had said. The land deal pertaining to the case was done in February 2008 by a company named Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, where Vadra was a director earlier. Under the deal, the company purchased a 3.5-acre plot in Shikohpur from Onkareshwar Properties for Rs 7.5 crore. At the time, Haryana was ruled by the Congress government led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Four years later, in September 2012, the company sold the land to realty major DLF for Rs 58 crore. The deal got embroiled in controversy in October 2012 after IAS officer Ashok Khemka, then posted as director general of land consolidation and land records-cum-inspector-general of registration, cancelled the mutation after categorising the transaction as violative of the state consolidation act and some related procedures. Vadra has been denying any wrongdoing, calling the case a “political vendetta” against him and his family, including former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Besides Vadra, summonses were also issued to Kewal Singh Virk, Sky Light Hospitality Pvt Ltd (now Skylight Hospitality LLP), Sky Light Realty Private Limited, Real Earth Estates Private Limited (now Real Earth Estates LLP), Blue Breeze Trading Private Limited (now Blue Breeze Trading LLP) and others. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights