ED Claims Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Earned ₹142 Crore from National Herald Case

The Enforcement Directorate has accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi of earning ₹142 crore from criminal activities linked to the National Herald case. The agency claims that the Gandhi family continued to benefit from these proceeds until significant assets were seized in November 2023. The article delves into the history of National Herald, the financial troubles of Associated Journals Limited, and the acquisition details by Young Indian Limited. This unfolding story raises questions about the financial dealings of prominent political figures in India.
 
ED Claims Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Earned ₹142 Crore from National Herald Case

Allegations Against the Gandhis

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed a Delhi court that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, accused in the National Herald case, allegedly profited ₹142 crore from criminal activities. The additional solicitor general representing the federal agency, S.V. Raju, stated that the accused continued to benefit from the proceeds of crime until the ED seized assets worth ₹751.9 crore linked to National Herald in November 2023. The ED further asserted that the Gandhi family not only laundered money obtained from illegal activities but also retained those funds.


Understanding National Herald

National Herald is an English newspaper founded in 1938 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters. It was owned by Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which also published 'Navjivan' in Hindi and 'Qaumi Awaz' in Urdu.


AJL's Debt Situation

By 2008, AJL had accumulated a debt of ₹90 crore, leading to the cessation of its publication. Between 2002 and 2011, the Congress party provided AJL with a loan amounting to ₹90 crore.


Acquisition Details

In 2010, a non-profit company named Young Indian Limited (YIL) was established, with Sonia and Rahul holding a 76% stake. The remaining 24% was owned by Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, Dubey, and Pitroda. Young Indian acquired AJL for ₹50 lakh, gaining control of 99% of its shares.