National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi questioned by ED for fourth day

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the fourth day of questioning in the ongoing investigation in connection with the National Herald money laundering case.

The Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad in Kerala arrived at the ED headquarters on APJ Abdul Kalam Road in central Delhi around 11.05 am with his "Z+" category CRPF security escort.

He was accompanied by his sister and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

For three consecutive days from 13 to 15 June, Rahul Gandhi was questioned by the ED for about 30 hours. He was questioned over multiple sessions and his statements were recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Protests were reported in by Congress workers and leaders in parts of the national capital. 

To avoid any untoward incidents, a huge contingent of police and paramilitary personnel was deployed around ED's office even as Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed in the area like last week.

The fourth day of questioning was deferred from 17 June to today after Rahul Gandhi requested the agency for postponing the session as he wanted to be with his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who is hospitalised for post-COVID-19 issues.

According to ED sources, Rahul Gandhi had put the onus of entire transaction of the takeover of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) on former Congress treasurer Motilal Vora.

Sources told News18 that Rahul claimed Vora, who passed away in December 2020, was responsible for all the transactions related to the Young Indian's acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd's (AJL) assets worth hundreds of crores from the party.