Delhi Police FIR Targets Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Money Laundering Probe
Delhi Police files FIR against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald money laundering case.
Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing filed an FIR on October 3 against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with seven others, following a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald money laundering investigation. The FIR invokes IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 403 (dishonest misappropriation), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 420 (cheating), naming entities like Young Indian Private Limited (YI), Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), and individuals including Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and Sunil Bhandari. This action stems from ED's use of PMLA section 66(2) to prompt registration of predicate offenses, bolstering their April chargesheet pending court cognizance on December 16.
The case originates from a 2014 private complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleging irregularities in AJL—the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper—which ED claims was fraudulently acquired by YI, a firm where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold 38% stakes each. ED's chargesheet accuses the duo, late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, and others of a criminal conspiracy to take over AJL properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore for just Rs 50 lakh, converting public funds for personal gain. Both Gandhis were questioned by ED years ago and remain on bail since 2015.
Congress has dismissed the probe as "petty vendetta tactics," labeling ED a BJP "coalition partner," while the agency maintains its investigation reveals undervalued asset transfers and money trails supported by documentary evidence and Income Tax assessments. The FIR incorporates ED's September 4 letter detailing these allegations, aligning with the chargesheet's contents.
Also Read: Delhi Court Defers Order on ED’s Supplementary Chargesheet in National Herald Case to December 16
This development escalates a decade-long legal battle intertwining politics and legacy media assets in Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bhopal, with courts yet to rule on ED's money laundering charges.
