National Herald Case News: The National Herald case has once again sparked political turmoil. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has filed a new FIR against senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, alleging serious charges including criminal conspiracy, fraud, and breach of trust. A total of nine accused have been named under FIR number 0124/2025, including six individuals and three companies.
The action is based on a complaint dated October 3, 2025, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), directing registration of a scheduled offence under Section 66(2) of the PMLA, alleging a conspiracy to fraudulently acquire properties worth approximately ₹2,000 crore belonging to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a company linked to the Congress party.
National Herald Case News: What is the matter?
The ED investigation report detailed that Young Indian was created as a “special purpose vehicle” to divert public funds to private interests. AJL converted its outstanding debt into 90.2 million equity shares of ₹10 each, defrauding AICC donors and shareholders.
Additionally, an alleged Kolkata-based shell company, Dotex Merchandise Private Limited, transferred ₹1 crore to Young Indian, which is believed to be part of the conspiracy. The ED filed a prosecution complaint in the Rouse Avenue Court on April 9, 2025, alleging money laundering under sections 3 and 4 of the IPC. The court has reserved its decision on whether to take cognizance.
National Herald Case News: FIR filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi
The FIR names Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and Sunil Bhandari as accused. An FIR has also been filed against three companies: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Private Limited, and Associated Journals Limited. Former Congress leaders Motilal Vohra and Oscar Fernandes were also named in the investigation, but are no longer accused due to their deaths.
National Herald Case News: What is National Herald Case?
The National Herald was established as a nationalist newspaper during the freedom struggle. Founded in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru, it was banned and shut down by the British government in 1942, but resumed publication three years later. Financial difficulties led to its discontinuation in 2008. In 2010, the debt-ridden AJL company, which operated the National Herald, announced its inability to repay its debts.
At that time, AJL owed an interest-free loan of Rs 90.21 crore to the All India Congress Committee (AICC). It is alleged that this loan was acquired for a mere Rs 50 lakh through a company called Young Indian Private Limited, formed in 2010. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi jointly hold 76 percent shares in Young Indian, making them its beneficial owners. The controversy started when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a criminal complaint in 2012. In it, he accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and some other Congress leaders of committing breach of trust and fraud in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd by Young Indian Ltd (YIL).
Also Read: Bhagwant Mann Government launches road Network Upgrade: 44,920 km planned at ₹16,000 Crore
