New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its probe into the National Herald case by submitting a prosecution complaint against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi before a Delhi court. The chargesheet, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), also names senior party leader Sam Pitroda, journalist Suman Dubey, and others in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving the defunct National Herald newspaper and its parent company, Associated Journals Limited (AJL).
The Rouse Avenue Court is set to review the complaint on 25 April to decide whether to take cognizance of the allegations. The ED has invoked Sections 3, 70, and 4 of the PMLA, accusing the accused of money laundering violations.
In a related move, the agency recently issued notices to seize properties worth โน661 crore linked to the case, which were earlier attached as part of the investigation. Congress has dismissed the probe as a โpolitical vendettaโ and accused the ED of acting as an โally of the BJP.โ
The case stems from a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, which led to the ED launching a formal investigation in 2021. The controversy revolves around alleged dubious financial dealings in the acquisition and ownership of the National Heraldโs assets.
The latest development adds to the legal troubles of the Gandhis, who have consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the case a โwitch-huntโ by the ruling party.
