ED Chargesheet Against Sonia, Rahul: A Case of Vendetta, Claims Jairam Ramesh
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case, implicating Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for alleged misuse of agencies, branding the actions as politically motivated intimidation.
Key Takeaways
- ED files chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
- Jairam Ramesh accuses the government of political intimidation.
- Allegations stem from a 2014 complaint by Subramanian Swamy.
- Young Indian is at the center of the asset acquisition controversy.
- ED’s investigation officially began in 2021.
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has presented its initial chargesheet in the prominent National Herald money laundering investigation, citing senior Congress figures Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Sam Pitroda, among others.
The document has been filed with the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, set to hear discussions on April 25.
In reaction to the chargesheet, veteran Congress politician Jairam Ramesh criticized the government, claiming it is exploiting federal agencies for partisan objectives.
“The appropriation of the National Herald's assets is a crime endorsed by the state, disguised as lawful governance. The issuance of charges against Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others is merely the politics of revenge and coercion by the PM and the HM, who have lost control. The INC and its leadership will not be silenced. Satyameva Jayate,” Ramesh stated in a message on X.
The ED's investigation stems from a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleging a criminal conspiracy involving the illicit acquisition of properties valued over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.
The ED asserts that the accused, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, utilized a private entity, Young Indian, to secure AJL’s assets for a mere Rs 50 lakh.
The agency contends that Young Indian, which is beneficially owned by the Gandhis, effectively assumed control of AJL’s properties while undervaluing their market worth.
The ED's inquiry officially commenced in 2021, following court approvals to proceed despite numerous legal obstacles.
In November 2023, the agency seized immovable assets valued at Rs 661 crore and AJL shares worth Rs 90.2 crore, labeling them as suspected proceeds of crime. The cumulative estimated value of the alleged proceeds in this case is Rs 988 crore.
