“Rahul and Sonia Gandhi Named in Fresh FIR for Criminal Conspiracy in National Herald Case”

Rahul, Sonia Gandhi Face Criminal Conspiracy Charges in Fresh FIR in National Herald Case.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has filed a fresh FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with six others, in connection with the alleged irregular acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL).

The FIR, dated October 3, claims that the leaders and their associates worked together to gain control of AJL—previously linked to the Congress—with properties valued at around ₹2,000 crore. The takeover was carried out through Young Indian, a company in which the Gandhis hold 76% of shares.

The police action follows a complaint submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has been probing the National Herald money laundering case since 2012. The ED alleged that Young Indian was involved in money laundering and that donations were solicited under the pretext of charity, resulting in “wrongful gains” for Young Indian while shareholders suffered losses.

Donor statements submitted by the ED suggest contributions were made at the direction of senior Congress leaders, including late Ahmed Patel, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, and Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar. The ED claims these funds were used to facilitate Young Indian’s acquisition of AJL.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla condemned the Gandhis, calling the family “the most corrupt” and accused them of trying to play the victim.

Congress, through leader Abhishek Singhvi, dismissed the FIR as politically motivated. Singhvi argued that no money was converted illicitly and no profits were drawn by the Gandhis from Young Indian, describing the proceedings as “malicious” and baseless.

The new FIR also names Sam Pitroda and three companies, including Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, which allegedly contributed ₹1 crore to Young Indian to help the acquisition. With Delhi Police now launching its investigation based on ED findings, the case is expected to widen, keeping the Congress leadership under fresh scrutiny.