National Herald case: Rahul Gandhi back in ED office for second round of questioning

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is back in Enforcement Directorate office for a second round of questioning in the National Herald case. Earlier in the day, he was interrogated for over 2.5 hours by the agency.

According to media reports, Rahul Gandhi has also given a written statement under the money laundering act.

The former Congress president left for the ED office from the Congress headquarters on Akbar Road in the morning and was accompanied by party leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram.

WATCH | What is the National Herald case — a video explainer

Priyanka Gandhi sat with Rahul Gandhi in a vehicle as the convoy of seven SUVs, escorted by armed CRPF personnel, entered the ED office at APJ Abdul Kalam Road.

Rahul Gandhi, 51, is a Z+ category protectee of the CRPF after the Union government withdrew the Gandhi family's SPG cover in 2019.

The investigating officer of the case, an assistant director-rank officer of the ED, is understood to have put possible questions about the incorporation of the Young Indian company, the operations of the National Herald, the loan given by the Congress party to AJL and the funds transfer within the news media establishment.

The probe pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the party-promoted Young Indian that owns the National Herald newspaper.

The National Herald is published by the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt Limited.

(with PTI inputs)