Jobaaj Stories
ED Targets Properties Worth ₹700 Crore in National Herald Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started proceedings to confiscate assets worth over ₹700 crore connected to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. These assets are part of the ongoing National Herald case, which involves alleged money laundering and misuse of political power.
Key Properties Under ED Scanner
The properties linked to the case are owned by Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a company that was acquired by Young Indian, which is controlled by the Gandhis.
Some of the properties include:
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Herald House in New Delhi
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Real estate in Mumbai
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Properties in Lucknow and other major cities
These locations are said to be among the most valuable assets under scrutiny by the ED.
What is the National Herald Case?
The National Herald case centers on the takeover of AJL by Young Indian. AJL was originally set up to publish the National Herald newspaper but later became inactive. Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are accused of using Young Indian to acquire AJL and its properties without properly compensating shareholders or paying fair market value.
The ED believes this transfer of control may have involved financial irregularities, including alleged money laundering and misuse of funds.
ED's Allegations and Legal Basis
The ED is acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to officials, the assets owned by AJL were used to generate income that wasn't reported or accounted for properly. The ED claims this violates Indian financial laws.
This latest move follows earlier investigations and court actions, where the ED attached several properties owned by AJL as part of a provisional order.
Congress Party’s Response
The Congress party has called the investigation a politically motivated attack by the ruling government. Party members argue that there is no wrongdoing and that the ED's actions are an attempt to target opposition leaders ahead of upcoming elections.
What Happens Next?
Once the ED completes its proceedings, the properties may be permanently seized by the government if courts support the agency’s findings. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi may also face further questioning or legal action depending on how the case develops.
