ED Files Chargesheet in National Herald Case; Sonia, Rahul Gandhi Named Among Accused
New Delhi, 15th April 2025: In a significant development in the ongoing National Herald money laundering probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint—equivalent to a chargesheet—naming senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as primary accused. The ED alleges financial irregularities involving suspected proceeds of crime amounting to nearly ₹5,000 crore.
The chargesheet was filed before a special MP/MLA court in the national capital on April 9. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on April 25, when it will consider whether to take cognisance of the ED’s findings and initiate formal criminal proceedings.
“This marks a crucial step in the investigation into suspected money laundering linked to the National Herald newspaper and its associated entities,” said an ED official familiar with the matter, requesting anonymity.
High-Profile Accusations
According to ED sources, a total of five individuals and two companies have been charged in the case. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been named as accused numbers one and two respectively. Young Indian Pvt. Ltd.—a company in which both Gandhis hold significant shares—is one of the firms listed in the complaint.
Also named are long-time Gandhi family associates Sam Pitroda, who currently heads the Congress’s overseas department, and veteran journalist Suman Dubey. The ED claims to have uncovered a detailed money trail supported by documentary evidence to substantiate its allegations.
“The investigation has revealed layers of transactions which appear to have been used to misappropriate assets and launder money through a complex corporate structure,” another ED source said.
Legal Battle Continues
Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are currently out on bail in connection with the case. The Congress leadership had earlier approached higher courts seeking to halt the ED’s proceedings but did not receive relief.
Party sources have consistently described the case as “politically motivated,” maintaining that there has been no wrongdoing. “This is clearly an attempt to target the leadership of the principal opposition party ahead of crucial elections,” a senior Congress leader said, reacting to the latest development.
The National Herald case originally stems from allegations that Young Indian acquired the assets of Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct newspaper, through questionable means. The assets reportedly include prime real estate in several Indian cities.
Next Legal Steps
The special court will now examine the ED’s prosecution complaint on April 25 to decide whether to formally proceed with the trial. If cognisance is taken, the accused could be summoned for further legal action, including framing of charges.
