Arguments in the National Herald money laundering case continued in Delhi court on Monday, with Young Indian Private Ltd, one of the defendants, asserting that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet contradicted the Income Tax Department's findings.

The case revolves around allegations that Young Indian fraudulently acquired assets worth ₹2,000 crore of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which published the National Herald newspaper. The ED has alleged that a conspiracy was hatched to form Young Indian, in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi held majority shares, to siphon off the assets of AJL for a ₹90 crore loan.

The ED has served notices to take possession of immovable assets worth ₹661 crore in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow as part of the money laundering probe. The agency claims that Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are accused of money laundering over ₹142 crore and benefiting from immovable properties worth ₹988 crore. They further allege that donations to Young India Private Limited were used for the personal benefits of the Gandhis. The ED also stated that Congress leaders were instructed to donate to Young India, with D.K. Shivakumar and his brother donating over ₹2.5 crore.

Young Indian, however, is contesting these claims, arguing that the ED's chargesheet is inconsistent with the Income Tax Department's assessment. The company insists that no money ever "flew," implying that there was no illicit transfer or movement of funds as alleged by the ED.

The case originated from a complaint by Subramanian Swamy, involving the sale of National Herald newspaper to Young India Limited. The ED alleges that ₹142 crore of 'proceeds of crime' were used for personal gain by Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. The ED has alleged that Young Indian was created by the Gandhis to avoid scrutiny on Congress.