Delhi police registers new FIR against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case: Here is what you should know

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi (Image via IndiaTimes)

The Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police has registered a new FIR against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with six others, for their involvement in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL). This company once belonged to Congress and had assets worth around Rs 2,000 crore. The deal was made through Young Indian, a company in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a 76% stake.

The FIR was filed on 3rd October following a complaint from the Investigative Unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED has been investigating a money laundering case linked to the National Herald property from 2008 to 2024. Under a specific law, the ED can ask other agencies like the Delhi Police to investigate related crimes, which helps their probe under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). 

This case started from a complaint by former BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, and the ED has already filed formal charges against the Gandhis and others in a special court at Rouse Avenue on 9th April 2024. However, the court has not yet officially accepted the case for trial.

The Congress party denies all the charges and says this is a political attack by the government. When asked about the new FIR registered by the Delhi Police, the party said they were not aware of it.

Along with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the FIR also names Sam Pitroda, the head of Indian Overseas Congress, and three companies: AJL, Young Indian, and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd. Dotex, a Kolkata-based company, reportedly gave Rs 1 crore to Young Indian, which then paid Rs 50 lakh to Congress for acquiring AJL. Sources say the police might call AJL shareholders for questioning to find out if Congress consulted them before transferring ownership to Young Indian, controlled by the Gandhis.

Written by OpIndia Staff
Last modified at