The Delhi Police, as part of the National Herald Case investigation, has served a notice to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The notice seeks comprehensive financial and transactional details related to Young Indian, an entity linked to Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. This was confirmed by a Delhi Police officer on Friday.
The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) stated in its notice that Shivakumar might hold vital information concerning the National Herald Case, which involves charges against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, as registered on October 3.
In a notice issued on November 29, the EOW has directed Shivakumar to appear by December 19 or furnish the requested information. Investigators are keen on understanding his personal background, affiliations with the Congress Party, and details on any alleged funds transferred to Young Indian.
Sources close to the Deputy Chief Minister assert that he is being targeted due to his stance against aligning with the BJP, emphasizing that he is one of the significant leaders enduring pressures for the Congress. They further state that Shivakumar remains steadfast, and will not be swayed by BJP efforts.
The notice states, 'You are hereby informed that the EOW of Delhi Police is investigating the above-mentioned FIR, and you are believed to possess crucial information regarding the case.'
The EOW’s inquiries include the purpose behind Shivakumar's bank transfers, sources of these funds, any communications involving Young Indian or AICC officials, whether the payments were instructed by someone, and if there was knowledge of how the funds would be utilized.
According to PTI, the EOW has also demanded tax records, financial statements, and any donation certificates issued in relation to payments made.
The National Herald Case stems from a 2013 private complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. It alleges that the assets, exceeding Rs 988 crore, of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) were acquired cheaply for Rs 50 lakhs through a transaction linked with AICC. The FIR, filed based on complaints from the Enforcement Directorate, accuses criminal conspiracy, fraud, and breach of trust related to the transfer of AJL’s assets to Young Indian, a company where Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold 76 percent shares.
