ED Files Fresh FIR Against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a new First Information Report (FIR) with the Delhi Police against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, six months after submitting a chargesheet against them. This development marks a new phase in the ongoing National Herald case.
Allegations of Property Diversion
The ED alleges that properties originally allotted to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by the government at reduced rates for public welfare were improperly diverted for private gain. The agency contends that this constitutes a serious financial fraud and criminal conspiracy.
Key Points of the Investigation
- Chargesheet Filed: On April 9, the ED filed a chargesheet against seven individuals, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, related to the case.
- Previous Questioning: Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were questioned in 2022 as part of the investigation.
- Asset Seizure: The ED previously issued notices to seize immovable assets worth Rs 661 crore in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. These assets were attached as part of a money laundering probe against AJL and Young Indian.
Details of the FIR
The FIR, registered on October 3, includes the following individuals and entities:
- Sonia Gandhi
- Rahul Gandhi
- Suman Dubey
- Sam Pitroda
- Young Indian
- Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd
- Sunil Bhandari
- Associated Journals Ltd (AJL)
- Unknown individuals
The FIR invokes sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating (420), criminal breach of trust (406), dishonest misappropriation of property (403), and criminal conspiracy (120-B).
Accusations in the FIR
The FIR alleges that government properties allotted to AJL at subsidized rates for public purposes were "usurped and misused" by the beneficial owners of Young Indian for personal gain. It further claims that the accused engaged in fraudulent activities, such as collecting bogus rents and generating fake revenue through sham advertisements, to launder illicit money.
The FIR states that the accused fraudulently took over properties worth more than Rs 2,000 crore, beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, for a mere Rs 50 lakhs.
Congress Response
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, responded on X, stating that the Modi-Shah duo is engaging in "mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta" against the INC leadership. He asserted that the National Herald matter is a "completely bogus case" and that justice will ultimately prevail.
