Need custody of Vadra: ED to HC

New Delhi : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the Delhi High Court that it wanted custodial interrogation of Robert Vadra because the "money chain" in a case of money laundering was allegedly directly linked to him.

Vadra, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law, was not cooperating with the investigation in the case, the agency added before Justice Chandra Shekhar.

Vadra is facing allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- at 12, Bryanston Square -- estimated at 1.9 million pounds (over Rs 17 crore).

The case is being probed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. "We need his custodial interrogation as the money chain is directly linked to him," the agency's lawyer told the judge.

Denying the ED's claims, Vadra's lawyer said his client had cooperated in the investigation by appearing before the agency whenever summoned. The lawyer also said his client answered the questions put to him by the ED.

"Not confessing" to allegations against him does not mean he was not cooperating, he said. After hearing the brief arguments, the court listed the matter for final arguments on November 5.

The court was hearing the ED's plea challenging the anticipatory bail granted to Vadra by a trial court.

On Tuesday, Vadra opposed the plea saying there was no single instance of his non-cooperation in the investigation and there was no risk of him tampering with any evidence .