NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a significant chargesheet against top Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case. The investigation, stemming from a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleges fraudulent property acquisition through Young Indian. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has strongly criticized the move, calling it "politics of vendetta and intimidation". The case involves properties and assets allegedly acquired at undervalued prices, with the ED claiming the total value of suspected proceeds is nearly Rs 988 crore.

Key Points: ED Chargesheet Targets Gandhis in National Herald Money Case

  • ED files first chargesheet in high-profile National Herald money laundering case
  • Sonia and Rahul Gandhi named as key accused
  • Allegations involve fraudulent property acquisition
  • Case originated from 2014 BJP complaint
2 min read

ED chargesheet against Sonia, Rahul is 'politics of vendetta and intimidation': Jairam Ramesh

Jairam Ramesh slams ED's National Herald chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as political vendetta

"Seizing the assets of the National Herald is a state-sponsored crime - Jairam Ramesh"

New Delhi, April 15

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its first chargesheet in the high-profile National Herald money laundering case, naming senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Sam Pitroda, among others.

The chargesheet has been submitted to the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, which is scheduled to hear arguments on April 25.

In response to the chargesheet, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lashed out at the government, accusing it of misusing central agencies for political gain.

"Seizing the assets of the National Herald is a state-sponsored crime masquerading as the rule of law. Filing chargesheets against Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and some others is nothing but the politics of vendetta and intimidation by the PM and the HM gone completely berserk. The INC and its leadership will not be silenced. Satyameva Jayate," Ramesh said in a post on X.

The ED's case results from a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who alleged a criminal conspiracy involving the fraudulent acquisition of properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.

The ED claims that the accused, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, used a private company, Young Indian, to acquire AJL's assets at a nominal price of Rs 50 lakh.

The agency claims that Young Indian, beneficially owned by the Gandhis, effectively took control of AJL's properties while undervaluing their market worth.

The ED's probe officially began in 2021, after courts allowed the investigation to move forward despite multiple legal challenges.

In November 2023, the agency attached immovable properties valued at Rs 661 crore and AJL shares worth Rs 90.2 crore, terming them suspected proceeds of crime. The total value of the alleged proceeds in the case stands at Rs 988 crore.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is getting ridiculous now. How many more cases will be filed against opposition leaders before elections? 🤔 The timing is just too convenient!
R
Rahul S.
While I'm no fan of the Gandhis, I have to agree this looks politically motivated. The ED should focus on actual financial crimes, not just opposition leaders.
A
Ankit M.
The National Herald case has been going on for years. If there's evidence, let the courts decide. Both sides should stop making this a political football.
S
Sunita P.
Satyameva Jayate indeed! The Congress might have its flaws, but using agencies to target political opponents sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy. 😟
V
Vikram J.
I support the investigation if it's legitimate, but the government needs to be more transparent about why this case is being pursued so aggressively now. The optics aren't great.
N
Neha R.
Everyone's talking about politics, but what about the actual allegations? If properties were undervalued and acquired improperly, that needs investigation regardless of who's involved.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50