The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally accused Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating a “criminal conspiracy” to usurp assets—properties and shareholdings valued at around ₹2,000 crore—from Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper. The ED alleges that in 2010, AJL’s 99% shareholding was transferred to Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YIL)—a company controlled by the Gandhis—for just ₹50 lakh. Consequently, the Gandhis became the beneficial owners of AJL’s land, real estate, and other assets now estimated to be worth ₹5,000 crore, with “proceeds of crime” pegged at ₹988 crore.

ED’s chargesheet, filed in April, names Sonia Gandhi as Accused No 1 and Rahul Gandhi as No 2. It also implicates Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and entities like Dotex Merchandise and Young Indian . The agency cites preliminary Income Tax findings from 2017 and alleges no evidence of any “not-for-profit” or charitable activity by YIL, despite its registered status—criticizing it as a vehicle to siphon public funds .

The ED has initiated attachment proceedings for immovable assets (nine properties) worth ₹661 crore in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, issuing formal notices to property registrars and current occupants . In a recent court hearing, ED counsel also informed that the Gandhis received about ₹142 crore in rental income deemed “proceeds of crime.” The case is before Special Judge Vishal Gogne, and cognizance of the chargesheet is anticipated soon.

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