The Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has registered a new FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others in connection with the alleged fraudulent acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL). The case involves a transaction worth Rs 2,000 crore, carried out through Young Indian, a company in which the Gandhi family holds the majority stake. The acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) was made through Young Indian, a company in which the Gandhi family holds a 76% stake.
Delhi Police FIR Based on ED Findings
The Delhi Police FIR, dated October 3, is based on a complaint filed by the Headquarters Investigative Unit (HIU) of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED shared detailed findings from its investigation into the National Herald money laundering case spanning 2008 to 2024.
Under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED can request another enforcement agency to register and probe a scheduled offence. Such an offence then becomes a predicate offence, allowing the ED to conduct its own investigation under the PMLA.
Background of ED Investigation
The ongoing ED probe stems from a private complaint filed by former BJP MP Subramanian Swamy and was taken up by the metropolitan magistrate’s court at Patiala House in June 2014. In this case, the ED filed a chargesheet under PMLA against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other accused on April 9 before the special MPs/MLAs court at Rouse Avenue. The court has not yet taken cognisance of the matter.
The Congress party has consistently denied the charges, calling the investigation a political witch-hunt. When contacted by TOI regarding the Delhi Police FIR, the party said it was not aware of it.
Others Named in the FIR
Apart from Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the FIR names three others, including Sam Pitroda, the chief of the Indian Overseas Congress. Three entities are also mentioned: Associated Journals Limited, Young Indian, and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, a Kolkata-based company that allegedly provided Rs 1 crore to Young Indian. From this fund, the Gandhi’s are said to have paid Congress Rs 50 lakh to acquire AJL, whose assets are reportedly worth Rs 2,000 crore.
Next Steps in Investigation
Sources indicate that Delhi Police may summon the shareholders of AJL for questioning. The aim is to determine whether Congress consulted the shareholders and obtained their approval before transferring the company to Young Indian, which is beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
