ED sources said there are strong indications that Young Indian and AJL have received money from the alleged shell companies. Supreme court In February 2016, the National Herald had turned down a plea to stay the trial of Gandhi and others in the case.
The findings, on the basis of documents collected by the ED team during its recent search operation, allegedly pointing to the flow of such funds till 2018-19, surprised investigators who thought that the apex court The blow will act as a deterrent. against allegedly suspicious transactions. This is in addition to Rs 1 crore received by Young Indian (YI) from Kolkata-based shell company Dotex Merchandise. YI, in which Sonia and Rahul hold 76 per cent stake, had used Rs 50 lakh of Dotex funds to acquire AJL from the Congress.
Sources said the agency may have to question Sonia, Rahul, Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge Rajya Sabha If the preliminary findings against some shell companies and their role in arranging foreign funds during investigations strengthens, so are the CEOs of Young Indian and others.
In the last few days, the ED has conducted search and seizure operations in over half a dozen premises besides the fourth floor of Herald House in Delhi, where Young Indian’s office is located. Those searched included promoters of shell companies who allegedly provided “entries” for a fee to those seeking to convert their unaccounted money into legitimate investments.
The Congress has consistently denied money laundering and ED charges against its leadership ever since the agency summoned Sonia and Rahul.
The probe agency has justified its actions by arguing that the recently launched probe into the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd with assets of Rs 800 crore by Young Indian for only Rs 50 lakh and the role of Sonia and Rahul was needed. should be investigated. In fact, they are in control of YI, with a 76% stake. The agency has also claimed that the probe was challenged in the trial court, later the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court and all upheld.
The ED had on Thursday questioned Kharge as the CEO of Young Indian on the company’s affairs. It is learned that investigators have asked Kharge why YI does not have employees and how this was contrary to the Congress leader’s earlier statement that the details of the concern’s operations would be known to the employees who handled its day. Today’s case.