New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The National Herald investigation took a new turn this week as Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing lodged a formal FIR naming Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi among several accused, following a complaint referred by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case concerns financial dealings linked to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) and its takeover by Young Indian, a company in which both Gandhis are key stakeholders.
Sources confirmed that the FIR, filed on October 3, invokes charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation under the Indian Penal Code. Apart from the Gandhis, the document lists Congress veterans Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey, companies Young Indian and Dotex Merchandise, Dotex promoter Sunil Bhandari, AJL, and other unnamed individuals.
The filing aligns with allegations outlined by the ED in a chargesheet submitted earlier this year. That chargesheet—still pending cognisance by a Delhi court—asserts that a coordinated effort was made to secure control of AJL and its real estate assets, estimated at more than ₹2,000 crore, for a fraction of their value. Investigators allege that Young Indian obtained these properties for ₹50 lakh, far below their assessed worth.
Officials say the ED relied on provisions under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which allows evidence-sharing with local law-enforcement agencies. Establishing a predicate offence through the police FIR is essential for the ED’s ongoing money-laundering probe.
The dispute traces back to a private complaint filed in 2014 by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who raised questions about the transfer of AJL’s ownership and the role of several Congress figures in the process. The ED’s documents assert that Young Indian was effectively controlled by the Gandhis, who each hold a 38 percent stake in the private company.
Congress leaders have denounced the latest FIR, repeating their accusation that investigative bodies are being used to target political opponents. They have characterised the probe as an attempt to intimidate the party and discredit its senior leadership.
Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have previously appeared before the ED for lengthy questioning sessions. With the next court hearing scheduled for December 16, the newly registered FIR is expected to play a significant role as authorities prepare for the next phase of the legal process.
