ED grills Rahul Gandhi for 8 hours, summons him for 4th time

New Delhi, June 15

The Enforcement Directorate questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the third straight day over money laundering allegations in the National Herald case even as the opposition Congress intensified its attack on the government “warning it against impeding political activities of party workers by preventing their entry to the AICC headquarters”.

Rahul’s written statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. ED sources said today’s interrogation began at 12 noon with the entire process videographed and audio recorded over three days. “The statements, typed on A4 size papers, are being “minutely reviewed and signed by Rahul” before submission to the investigating officers,” sources say.

Rahul was quizzed for about eight hours today. He has so far faced ED for about 24 hours. The ED summoned Rahul for the fourth time on Friday. Sources said a detailed statement by Rahul on his role was a crucial part of the investigation, as he was a “major shareholder” in the Young Indian company (alleged to have usurped Rs 2,000 crore assets of Associated Journals which publishes National Herald) and an “important person” in the AJL and Herald affairs.

The Congress, meanwhile, fielded Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, AICC general secretaries Randeep Surjewala, Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik jointly to question Delhi Police’s prohibitory orders around central Delhi.

‘Book Delhi cops for trespassing on AICC HQ’

The Congress has demanded FIRs against Delhi cops for ‘criminal trespass’ of the party office with AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala alleging that Delhi police personnel barged into the headquarters gates and assaulted leaders and workers. Footage of some cops rushing into the AICC gates also went viral. Denying the allegations that its personnel forcibly entered the AICC headquarters and beat up party workers, a Delhi Police officer said these were ‘totally false’.

Probe leak: Cong sends legal notice to govt

The Congress on Wednesday sent a ‘cease and desist’ notice to the government with copies to the Chief of Enforcement Directorate and Registrar of the Supreme Court, asking for alleged media leaks of party leader Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing questioning by the investigating agency to be stopped forthwith.

• The ED questioned Rahul Gandhi for the third straight day in the National Herald case on Wednesday
• Quizzed for about 8 hours, he has reportedly been asked to appear before the ED again on Friday for questioning
• The Congress stepped up its attack on the govt after party workers were allegedly stopped from entering the AICC office