Robert Vadra air ticket row: I-T department says no probe possible as payment made in cash

Even as the controversy rages over Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's alleged link with a fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, there are reports that the investigation in the case has hit a virtual dead-end.

According to a report, the Income Tax department officials say that as the business-class air tickets for Vadra were bought in cash, there can be no trail to prove any links either to Vadra or Sanjay Bhandari

'An amount of between Rs 8 lakh-Rs 10 lakh is too small an amount for us to call Robert Vadra over for questioning,' senior I-T department official was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

It must be noted that a travel agency in Paharganj had booked the tickets back in 2012 for Zurich.

Meanwhile, the Congress has taken a firm stand on the issue and said that Vadra is not party member hence it can't be questioned over the row.

'First thing I want to ask is whether Robert Vadra, a member of the Congress, so that we answer on his



behalf,' Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.

The senior leader also said that the BJP should establish facts if it has anything on alleged link between party President's son-in-law and fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

On Tuesday, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also questioned Congress' silence over the issue, saying party president and her son, Rahul Gandhi's silence will be construed as acceptance of charges.

Citing the media report, Sitharaman alleged that a London property linked to Vadra was refurbished by Bhandari, who also made arrangements for his travel abroad.

She also claimed that an amount of 7.5 lakh Swiss francs was deposited in one of Bhandari’s bank accounts raising questions whether the money spent on the London house was linked to Vadra.

Vadra had denied links with Bhandari when in 2016 it was reported that his London flat at 12 Ellerton House in Bryaton Square was renovated by Bhandari.