In a major development in the long-running National Herald case, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been named among the accused in a new FIR lodged by the Delhi Police. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed the FIR after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) headquarters, adding six more individuals to the list.
According to ANI, the fresh FIR expands the scope of investigation into the financial dealings surrounding Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that publishes the National Herald newspaper.
Case Origin: Complaint by Subramanian Swamy
The National Herald case began with a complaint filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy, who alleged that Congress leaders and associated companies misused party funds and engaged in illegal financial transactions involving AJL.
The ED claims that Young Indian—a company in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi reportedly held a combined 76% shareholding—acquired the assets of AJL by paying just ₹90 crore towards a loan. The agency alleges that the assets, valued at over ₹2,000 crore, were taken over “fraudulently.”
Court Defers Order to December 16
On Saturday, a Delhi court deferred its decision on taking cognisance of the ED chargesheet. The court stated that all accused, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, have the “right to be heard,” and scheduled the pronouncement for December 16.
The ED’s chargesheet names several high-profile figures, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Sunil Bhandari, and two companies—Young Indian and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd. The agency alleges conspiracy, cheating, and money laundering.
ED’s Key Allegations
Young Indian’s 76% Shareholding
The ED claims that the Gandhis were the primary shareholders in Young Indian, holding 76% of the company. This ownership allegedly allowed them effective control over the financial decisions related to AJL.
Acquisition of AJL Assets
The agency further alleges that Young Indian gained control over AJL’s properties—estimated at around ₹2,000 crore—by merely taking over a ₹90 crore loan.
Proceeds of Crime
In earlier submissions, the ED stated that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi received ₹142 crore as “proceeds of crime” during the financial transactions linked to the case.
Congress Responds
While Congress has consistently denied all allegations, calling them “politically motivated,” the fresh FIR has intensified the legal and political spotlight on the party’s top leadership.
What Happens Next?
With the next hearing scheduled for December 16, the case is expected to pick up momentum. The Delhi Police EOW and ED are likely to pursue deeper scrutiny into the financial structure of Young Indian and its acquisition of AJL.
For now, the National Herald investigation remains one of the most significant political and financial cases involving senior Congress leadership.