The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case, naming Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as the primary accused, alongside other prominent figures like Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The court has scheduled proceedings for April 25, 2025, to review the chargesheet and consider cognisance.
Here are the key developments in the case:
Chargesheet Filed by ED: The Enforcement Directorate submitted its chargesheet on April 9, 2025, in the high-profile National Herald money laundering case, with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi listed as accused number 1 and 2. Special Judge Vishal Gogne has scheduled the next hearing for April 25 to consider the cognisance of the prosecution complaint.
Additional Accused Named: Alongside the Gandhis, Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey have also been named in the chargesheet, which is central to the ED’s ongoing investigation into the money laundering activities involving the Congress-controlled Associated Journals Limited (AJL).
Court Review on April 25: On April 25, 2025, Special Judge Gogne will review the chargesheet, with both the special counsel for the ED and the investigating officer set to present the case diaries for the court’s consideration.
ED Moves to Seize Assets: On April 12, 2025, the ED announced steps to seize immovable assets worth ₹661 crore connected to the case. These properties, linked to AJL, include significant real estate holdings in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow.
Notices Issued for Property Seizure: The ED has issued notices demanding the vacation or transfer of rent for properties linked to the case. Notices were placed at key locations, including Herald House in Delhi's ITO area, a Bandra property in Mumbai, and the AJL building on Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow.
Legal Action Under PMLA: The ED's actions are being carried out under Section 8 and Rule 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which governs the process of taking possession of assets attached by the Enforcement Directorate following confirmation by the adjudicating authority.
As the case progresses, all eyes are on the April 25 hearing, where the court will determine the next steps in this major investigation into the Congress party’s financial dealings.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)