ED questions Sonia Gandhi for nearly 3 hrs, Congress holds protest
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate(ED) questioned Congress president Sonia Gandhi for nearly three hours in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. She has been summoned again on July 25. Meanwhile, Congress slammed the agency's action against its top leadership and termed it "political vendetta". The party staged protests across the country.
The ED has been investigating the role of the Gandhis in the case which involves the Young Indian Private Limited's takeover of AJL (Associated Journals Limited), the company which ran the National Herald newspaper. Founded by the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the newspaper was a Congress mouthpiece that later went entirely online.
Sonia Gandhi arrived at the ED's headquarters in central Delhi in the afternoon escorted by her Z+ category CRPF security cover.
The interrogation was led by Kuldeep Singh, an Assistant Director at the Enforcement Directorate, who had also questioned Rahul Gandhi. Reportedly, Gandhi's questioning was carried out by five officers led by a woman Additional Director. The probe agency prepared 50 questions for the Congress chief. The 75-year-old politician was questioned for nearly three hours and was allowed to leave during lunchtime. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stayed in the building during the questioning, close at hand with Sonia Gandhi's medicines if there was any need.
Her questioning had been deferred earlier on June, 8 and June,23, while, she was hospitalised after testing positive for Coronavirus.
The Enforcement Directorate says the Young Indian company also took over Rs. 800 crores in assets of AJL. According to the Income Tax department, this should be considered an asset of the shareholders of Young Indian -Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, for which they should pay tax. However, Congress claimed that the assets of AJL went to Young Indian, a non-profit entity, and so the shareholders could not make any money from the assets since that is not allowed under section 25 of the Companies Act. To that, ED says the Young Indian claims to be a non-profit entity but has not done any charity work.
Sonia Gandhi's questioning revolved around personal details of her shareholding and taxes and the links of Associated Journal to Young Indian, say sources. She was also asked about the links of the Congress party with the companies.
For her questioning, massive security arrangements were made at the ED office as well as roads near the Congress office and Sonia Gandhi's home because of street protests by Congress leaders.
Moreover, ED sources confirmed that a spacious and ventilated room was arranged for Gandhi, as she recovered from Covid and her vulnerable health condition. Also, as per Gandhi's family's request, officials and staff who interacted with her were tested for Covid and were fully vaccinated. Doctors were also present during the interrogation and medical support was further arranged.
Meanwhile, several Congress leaders were detained as the party held nationwide demonstrations in support of the party chief. Carrying large banners saying "stop misuse of ED", Congress leaders held a march inside the Parliament complex in a show of strength against the Enforcement Directorate. Large numbers of demonstrations were also being held across the country. In some places, protesters stopped trains, and even burnt vehicles, reportedly.
Delhi Police had also made comprehensive arrangements to stop the congress party workers who were protesting against the Enforcement Directorate. Police also used a water cannon and lite force to control the party workers. Some MPs, MLAs, and other party workers were also detained during the protest. However, they were released later.
Furthermore, earlier the day, a meeting was chaired by the Congress top brass to discuss "relentless political vendetta" by the Centre. It was attended by almost 13 opposition parties. A statement released by like-minded opposition parties condemned the BJP-led Centre's "misuse" of investigating agencies.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also questioned for over 40 hours across five days. But keeping the Congress president's health in mind, the ED wrapped up her questioning far sooner. The Congress stalwart again will join the agency on Monday for the second round of questioning.
