Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has taken decisive action, ordering the seizure of certain assets linked to Sanjay Bhandari, the notorious arms dealer currently absconding in London. The matter concerning his other properties will come up for hearing on July 18.
Accusations against Bhandari span money laundering, massive tax evasion, and illicit commissions in high-value defense deals. He bolted from India shortly after enforcement raids in 2016, leaving behind a trail of hidden wealth that the ED has been meticulously tracking across continents.
In a petition to the court, the ED detailed Bhandari’s portfolio of shadowy properties in key Indian cities like Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida, as well as in Dubai and Britain—collectively worth over ₹100 crore. Bhandari’s defense opposed the move, but the court, after thorough deliberations, has greenlit the initial attachments.
Prior to this, on January 31, the court had reserved judgment on the ED’s application. The agency’s probes also spotlight ₹655 crore of unreported overseas earnings and ₹196 crore in dodged taxes.
As the government tightens the noose on economic fugitives, this order marks a critical step in reclaiming ill-gotten gains. The upcoming hearing holds potential for broader implications, underscoring India’s commitment to curbing financial crimes by those who flee accountability.
