DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday filed its first chargesheet in the money laundering case related to the Congress-owned National Herald newspaper and Associated Journals Limited (AJL), naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, and Suman Dubey.
The matter is scheduled for hearing on 25 April at the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, which has also asked the ED to submit the case diary. The case originated from a 2012 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who had accused Sonia, Rahul, and associated entities of financial irregularities involving AJL.
During the investigation, on 12 April 2025, the ED initiated action to seize the attached properties. Notices were issued to take possession of immovable assets worth ₹661 crore located in Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
Earlier on Tuesday, Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, appeared at the ED office, where he was questioned in connection with the Shikohpur land scam in Gurugram.
The Congress party has strongly condemned the ED’s actions, calling them politically motivated. Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh stated, “Seizing National Herald properties is a state-sponsored crime under the guise of the rule of law. Filing a chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others is nothing but political vendetta and intimidation by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. However, the Congress and its leadership will not remain silent. Satyameva Jayate.”
In response, the BJP maintained that those involved in corruption and public asset misappropriation must face consequences. National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked, “The ED no longer stands for entitlement to dacoity and dynasty. These individuals looted public funds and property and now play the victim card when held accountable. Even in the National Herald case, they treated public assets as private property.”
Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court, presiding under the Prevention of Corruption Act, noted that the ED has filed a fresh complaint under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The offence is described under Section 3 read with Section 70 and is punishable under Section 4 of the Act.
Though the case is currently being heard by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at the Rouse Avenue Court, Justice Gogne clarified that under Section 44(1)(C) of the PMLA, the trial must be conducted by the court that has taken cognisance of the money laundering charges under Section 3. Both sets of offences must be adjudicated under the same jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the ED counsel stated that they intend to file an appeal to have the case transferred to the bench of the Chief District and Sessions Judge.
नेशनल हेराल्ड के विषय में जो प्रक्रियाएं हो रही हैं, वो नई नहीं हैं, क्योंकि जब ये केस शुरू हुआ था, तभी हमने कहा था कि ये बड़ा विचित्र मामला है।
यह केस बिना एक रुपए, बिना एक रुपए की प्रॉपर्टी के स्थानांतरण के शुरू हुआ है। नेशनल हेराल्ड की पुरानी प्रॉपर्टी को मैनेज करने के लिए एक… pic.twitter.com/dlqJu2tYw2
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 15, 2025
