The ED has leveled serious allegations against the Gandhi family in the National Herald money laundering case. The court has raised questions about the role of the Congress. The defense will present its arguments on Friday.
National Herald Case: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi heard the National Herald money laundering case on Thursday. During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) made serious allegations against the Gandhi family. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, on behalf of the ED, told the court that the case is a classic example of a planned fraud and money laundering.
Allegation of controlling property through Young Indian
The ED alleges that the Congress party planned to illegally gain control of Associated Journals Limited (AJL)'s assets worth approximately 2,000 crore rupees through Young Indian Limited. According to the ED, the Congress gave a loan of about 90 crore rupees to AJL, and when that amount was not repaid, all of AJL's assets were transferred to Young Indian for a mere 50 lakh rupees.
Documents and witness statements presented
The ED presented several financial documents and witness statements related to the case in court. The agency claims that this evidence makes it clear that the entire transaction was planned and involved money laundering. The ED also said that Congress leaders transferred fake money in the name of donations and rent in order to capture the property of AJL.
Court's questions and the role of Congress
During this time, the court asked two important questions to the ED. First, who held the shareholding of AJL before 2010. Second, whether the Congress party has also been made an accused in this case. The ED replied that Congress has not been made an accused for now, but if sufficient evidence comes to light in the future, it can also be made an accused.
AJL's properties spread across the country
ASG S.V. Raju told the court that AJL has valuable properties in many major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Indore, Panchkula, and Patna. The ED alleges that the Gandhi family gained illegal control over these properties through Young Indian.
Gandhi family called 'puppet operators'
The ED also said in court that Young Indian was used only as a medium so that the assets of AJL could be brought under the control of the Gandhi family. The ED said that the shareholding of Young Indian is only nominal and the others involved are only puppets. Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi not only control the AICC, but are also controlling AJL and Young Indian.
ASG said- It's an open and shut case
ASG Raju, appearing on behalf of the ED, told the court that it is an "open and shut case". According to him, the documents and evidence presented by the ED are sufficient for the court to take cognizance of the matter. He said that his argument is over, but he reserves the right to reply again under his authority.
The next hearing in the court will now be held on Friday, where the defense will present its arguments. It will be seen how the defense responds to the allegations made by the ED and what legal points it puts forward.
