The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has escalated its probe into the high-profile National Herald case by issuing a formal notice to Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar. The notice demands specific financial documents and clarifications from the senior Congress leader, with a submission deadline set for December 19.
Details of the Police Notice
According to official sources, the notice served to Shivakumar seeks comprehensive financial and transactional records linked to the case. Investigators have asked him to provide a range of documents, including detailed financial statements, income tax filings, and any relevant donation certificates. Beyond the paperwork, the police have also requested information regarding his political affiliations and his connections with the Indian National Congress party.
A significant part of the inquiry focuses on a detailed account of funds allegedly transferred by Shivakumar or entities related to him to Young Indian. The investigators are seeking clarity on the purpose behind these financial transfers, whether they were executed under instructions from a third party, and if Shivakumar had any knowledge of the ultimate use of these funds.
Background of the National Herald Case
The case, which has significant political ramifications, was formally registered by the Delhi Police on October 3. The First Information Report (FIR) names senior Congress functionaries, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, alongside six other associates and business entities. The core allegation is one of criminal conspiracy to "fraudulently" acquire Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.
At the time of the alleged acquisition, AJL was a Congress-held entity possessing properties estimated to be worth a staggering Rs 2,000 crore. The acquisition was orchestrated through the company Young Indian, in which the Gandhis held a controlling 76% shareholding. The Delhi Police FIR is based on a complaint filed by the headquarters investigative unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which shared its detailed findings from a money-laundering investigation into the National Herald affair spanning from 2008 to 2024.
Other Key Figures Named in the FIR
Besides Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the FIR has named three other individuals. Notably, it includes Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. The involvement of such high-profile political figures has kept the case in the national spotlight, with allegations of financial misconduct being fiercely contested by the Congress party, which claims the investigation is politically motivated.
Next Steps and Implications
The notice to DK Shivakumar marks a new phase in the investigation, potentially broadening its scope beyond the immediate Gandhi family circle. His response, due by December 19, will be scrutinized for any evidence that could support the allegations of a conspiracy to gain control of valuable assets. The developments in this case are being closely watched, as they could have substantial political and legal consequences for one of India's major opposition parties in the lead-up to future elections.
The Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing continues to pursue the trail of financial transactions as it attempts to establish the chain of events that led to the acquisition of Associated Journals by Young Indian. The coming weeks are likely to see increased legal activity as the deadline for document submission approaches.
