Haryana to probe Vadra deals

The BJP government in Haryana on Wednesday said that all land deals involving Robert Vadra will be probed by a commission headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court. A notification is likely to be issued by May 15. 

The probe is unlikely to be limited to just Vadra’s land deals in the state as it would give the opposition a reason to cry foul alleging vendetta. Education Minister Ram Bilas said the commission would inquire into all irregularities committed in the past 10 years of the Congress rule in the state, especially regarding land deals.

Ever since the BJP government took charge last October, the minister said the government has received several complaints regarding irregularities committed during the Congress rule.

In the run up to the Assembly election last year, the saffron party had promised action against Vadra and others for wrongdoings in land deals. So far, it had remained as mere rhetoric.

The Congress has been denying any irregularity. Hooda claims all land deals during his tenure were “above board”. The announcement by the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government to prove wrongdoings in land deals comes a day after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s “suit-boot” barb against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said Rahul’s “suited-booted brother-in-law” will be investigated. 

Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality, sold 3.5 acres of prime land in Manesar, Gurgaon, to DLF in 2008 for Rs 58 crore.

The land had cost his company only around Rs 15 crore and was sold to DLF after obtaining change of land use  and other permissions from the Hooda government. Vadra made a windfall gain of about Rs 43 crore.