ED Files Chargesheet Against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet concerning the National Herald money laundering case, naming Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as the primary accused. The chargesheet, submitted to the court on April 9, also lists senior Congress figures Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as co-accused in the case.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne, who reviewed the chargesheet, has scheduled the matter for further proceedings on April 25, 2025. On that day, the court will consider whether to take cognisance of the charges. The judge also directed the ED’s special counsel and the investigating officer to present the case diaries for review during the hearing.
In a parallel development, the ED announced on April 12 that it had initiated action to seize immovable assets valued at ₹661 crore, which are allegedly linked to the money laundering case involving Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a company closely related to the Congress party.
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi jointly own over 75% of AJL through their stakes in Young Indian Private Limited, which holds a controlling share in the company.
As part of the ongoing proceedings, the ED has issued notices for the vacation or transfer of rental rights of various AJL properties. Notices were posted on prominent assets, including Herald House in Delhi’s ITO area, a property located in Bandra, Mumbai, and another building on Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow.
The ED’s action follows provisions under Section 8 and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which govern the process for taking possession of assets once an adjudicating authority confirms their attachment.
Background: What is the National Herald Money Laundering Case?
The National Herald case traces its origins to a complaint filed in 2014 by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The complaint accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior Congress leaders of misappropriating assets owned by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by taking control of the company for just ₹50 lakh, despite its real estate holdings being valued at over ₹2,000 crore.
AJL is the publisher of the National Herald newspaper and is owned by Young Indian Private Limited, in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each hold a 38% stake, effectively making them the majority stakeholders.
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that both Young Indian and AJL were involved in generating further “proceeds of crime” through dubious financial activities. These reportedly include fake donations amounting to ₹18 crore, advance rent payments of ₹38 crore under suspicious circumstances, and fictitious advertising revenue worth ₹29 crore.
The case remains one of the most high-profile money laundering probes involving political figures in recent years, with the upcoming court proceedings expected to draw significant attention
