Gandhis Received ₹142 Crore in Proceeds of Crime, Alleges ED

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed a Delhi court that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi allegedly received ₹142 crore in "proceeds of crime" linked to the National Herald money laundering case. The statement came from Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, who is representing the ED during the agency's initial arguments on whether the court should take formal cognisance of its chargesheet.

The ED, which recently filed the chargesheet, is presenting its preliminary case before Special Judge Vishal Gogne. ASG Raju claimed that there is enough evidence to establish a prima facie case of money laundering against the Gandhis and several others involved.

This development is followed with a complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy back on June 26, 2014. It wasn’t until 2021 that the Enforcement Directorate formally stepped in, launching its investigation after a magistrate court took Swamy’s claims seriously.

During the hearing, Judge Gogne also ordered the ED to hand over a copy of the chargesheet to Swamy, who continues to play a central role as the original complainant in the case.

Meanwhile, legal counsel for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi asked the court to schedule the next hearing for the following month, saying they need time to review the charges and prepare their response.