On October 3, 2025, Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) lodged a fresh FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, intensifying the decade-old National Herald case.
This legal action follows a detailed Enforcement Directorate (ED) complaint citing alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, and dishonest misappropriation of property linked to the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), publisher of the National Herald newspaper.
The FIR names seven accused, including Sam Pitroda, Young Indian Pvt Ltd, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and others, with a focus on fraudulent financial transactions.
Alleged Fraud Around AJL Takeover
The FIR alleges that Young Indian, where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a controlling 76% stake, acquired AJL and its assets, valued at nearly Rs 2,000 crore, for a nominal Rs 50 lakh.
Key to this acquisition was a Rs 1 crore transfer from Dotex Merchandise, described as a shell company, to Young Indian, facilitating the fraudulent takeover. Properties situated in prime locations such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow allegedly changed hands unlawfully under this transaction, marking a serious financial fraud.
Financial Irregularities and Proceeds of Crime
Further allegations include cheating of both AJL’s shareholders and the Indian National Congress, as the FIR claims Congress was deprived of Rs 90.21 crore due to the undervalued sale of loan recovery rights to Young Indian.
The FIR flags approximately Rs 988 crore as proceeds of crime, including 751.91 crore worth of attached properties and Rs 142.67 crore in rental incomes between 2010 and 2023.
It also highlights alleged fake donations of Rs 18.12 crore, fake advance rents, and bogus advertisement revenue mainly consisting of congratulatory messages to Congress leaders, not matching business purposes.
Political Responses and Legal Proceedings
The Congress party strongly rejects the FIR, labelling it politically motivated persecution and a tactic to malign the Gandhis. The case, first sparked by a complaint from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in 2013, has since seen multiple court hearings and judicial scrutiny.
Recently, on November 29, 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court deferred the decision on taking cognisance of the ED’s chargesheet to December 16, affirming the accused’s right to be heard.
This latest FIR escalation sharpens the focus on unresolved questions of political accountability, justice, and the impartiality of investigations in India’s charged political climate.
National Herald Case Background
The National Herald case dates back to 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint alleging financial irregularities by Congress leaders in acquiring Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, which ceased publication in 2008.
AJL reportedly had an unpaid debt of Rs 90 crore, which the Congress party loaned over ten years in instalments. Since AJL could not repay, this loan was converted into equity shares held by Young Indian Pvt Ltd, a not-for-profit company incorporated in 2010.
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each reportedly hold 38% shares in Young Indian, with the rest held by senior Congress leaders. This structure made Young Indian the majority shareholder of AJL, with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as directors, triggering allegations of misuse and fraudulent acquisition that underpin the ongoing legal battle.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian urges all stakeholders to respect due legal process and resist politicising the judicial system. While accountability is key in a democracy, it must be ensured through fair and unbiased inquiries.
The presumption of innocence until proven guilty must be honoured, promoting dialogue and coexistence over division.
