ED identifies 12 properties of Uk-based arms dealer

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has identified 12 properties of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari in Delhi, two each worth several million dollars in the UK and the UAE, and bank deposits, jewellery and cash running into crores, which can be confiscated because he was declared a fugitive economic offender last week, people familiar with the development said.

- Neeraj Chauhan

The properties traced for confiscation are located in South City-1 and DLF Phase 1 in Gurugram, Jaypee Greens in Noida, Shahpur Jat, Hauz Khas, Vasant Vihar, Panchsheel Park (four properties), and Greater Kailash (two properties) in Delhi.

An ED officer who didn't want to be named said "the total value of these 12 properties is listed around ₹31 crore but actual market value would be much higher as some of them were obtained or registered in the early 2000s in the name of his family members or companies".

The two properties in London are 12, Bryanston Square, which is also linked to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, and Flat number 6, Grosvenor Hill Court, 13 Bourdon Street.

ED has previously claimed that Bryanston Square property, purchased in 2009 for 1.9 million pounds, was linked to Vadra as it was renovated on his directions and using his funds.

It alleged that Vadra even stayed there "three-four times". The officer cited above said ises linked to Bhandari in April 2016.