ED Begins Asset Possession Linked to Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated formal proceedings to take control of immovable properties associated with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The move is part of the ongoing probe into the National Herald money laundering case.
On April 11, the agency issued notices to property registrars in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, where the properties of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) — acquired by Young Indian Limited (YIL) — are located. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are major stakeholders in YIL.
The ED alleges that these properties, once used by AJL to publish the National Herald newspaper, were acquired illegally through a complex web of financial transactions intended to launder funds worth nearly ₹988 crore.
According to officials, the attachment was confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 10.
In November 2023, the ED had provisionally attached AJL’s assets, including properties valued at ₹661 crore and shares worth ₹90.2 crore. The latest proceedings convert those attachments into formal possession.
In a related development, the ED has also issued a notice to Jindal South West Projects — the occupant of three floors in Herald House, Mumbai — directing the firm to deposit all future rental payments directly with the agency.
Officials claim the assets were laundered through a political-financial nexus involving top Congress leadership. The ED’s probe indicates that Young Indian paid only ₹50 lakh to acquire AJL, whose properties are worth over ₹2,000 crore.
According to investigators, funds were further funneled through a series of transactions involving bogus donations, advance rents worth ₹38 crore, and ₹29 crore from advertisements.
“This move is necessary to prevent the continued enjoyment and monetisation of tainted assets,” a senior ED official said, requesting anonymity.
The ED’s investigation stems from a 2014 criminal complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who accused Congress leaders of orchestrating a fraudulent acquisition of AJL’s assets.
Though the Congress has termed the case as “politically motivated,” both the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court permitted the ED to proceed with its investigation.
The agency began its probe in 2021, conducting raids, seizures, and document analysis at various AJL and YIL locations.
While the Congress party has yet to release an official statement on the ED’s latest action, legal experts say the formal possession of assets marks a significant escalation in the case.
