ED calls Rahul for questioning again today, Sonia summoned on Thursday

NEW DELHI: Amid continuing protests by his party colleagues across the country, Rahul Gandhi spent over 10 hours on his fourth appearance before the Enforcement Directorate on Monday and has been summoned again on Tuesday to continue recording his statements in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. Beginning June 13, the Congress leader has already spent over 40 hours in four visits to the ED headquarters to be questioned in this case.
According to sources, Rahul has so far denied having any knowledge of the transactions between the Young Indian, which is controlled by the Gandhis and described as a charitable organization, and Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), publisher of the National Herald newspaper. ED has alleged that YI took over AJL through alleged "fraudulent" transactions between YI and Congress.
Rahul has told the agency that for all the past transactions between YI and AJL, former Congress treasurer late Motilal Vora was responsible and only he had the knowledge, sources said.
Sonia Gandhi, who was discharged on Monday from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital where she had been undergoing treatment for Covid-related complications, has been summoned by the agency for questioning on Thursday, in the same case.
Meanwhile, several Congress leaders participated in protests against the summonses issued to the Gandhis and questioned the applicability of the money laundering charges against them. Congress has said that the properties owned by AJL are still owned by it and have not changed ownership despite YI taking over AJL.
The ED has been questioning Rahul on the alleged criminal conspiracy in the acquisition of 100% shareholding of the AJL and its properties estimated worth Rs 800 crore by the YI after paying Rs 50 lakh to Congress.
The agency has also sought details of the charitable activities YI has carried out since its inception in 2010 in the light of its claim to be a charity. Sources alleged that the ED's investigation showed that YI has so far not engaged in any charitable cause but has put the properties of AJL to commercial use after taking over and has been earning rents.
Rahul followed his usual routine during his appearance at the ED's office on Monday, arriving at around 11 am, taking an hour-long lunch break in the afternoon before rejoining the investigation which usually extends past 10 pm.
The ED has obtained expenditure details of YI since 2010, based on which it has been asking questions to Rahul on the very purpose of existence of YI and legitimacy of its transactions, including an 'unsecured loan' from a Kolkata-based shell company for Rs 1 crore. The YI had also paid Rs 1 lakh in 'commission' to the shell company for the 'loan'.