The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has completed its arguments in the National Herald case, shifting the focus to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The ED has alleged in court that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi conspired to take control of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), valued at approximately ₹2,000 crore, through Young Indian Pvt Ltd. The agency claims a ₹90 crore loan from the Congress party to AJL was fraudulently converted into equity, which ultimately benefited the Gandhis, who held significant control over both entities.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, argued before a Delhi court that this was a "classic case" of money laundering. The ED contends that the Gandhis became the "beneficial owners" of Young Indian, acquiring complete control after other shareholders passed away. According to the ED, the Gandhis controlled the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and facilitated the ₹90 crore loan to AJL, with the ultimate goal of seizing the ₹2,000 crore in assets. The agency argues that the takeover of properties belonging to AJL was fraudulent and carried out with the consent of all accused, including the Gandhis.

The ED's investigation claims that Young Indian acquired AJL's assets, worth ₹2,000 crore, for a mere ₹50 lakh. The agency has identified alleged proceeds of crime amounting to ₹988 crore in this case. The ED's counsel has also stated that close associates of the Gandhi family were appointed as directors of AJL and engaged in "fake transactions" to funnel money.

However, the court has raised questions regarding the ED's actions, asking why the agency targeted the Gandhis when corporate entities and state-owned companies routinely write off loans. The court also questioned why the Congress party and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) were not named as accused, considering the party wrote off the loans. The court questioned whether the ED had examined AJL shareholders who allegedly faced wrongful loss.

The case is based on a complaint filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, alleging criminal conspiracy involving several individuals, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. The ED has filed a chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other individuals under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The hearing is ongoing, and the court will continue to hear arguments.