In a major development in the long-running National Herald investigation, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has registered a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with several other accused linked to the case.

Filed on October 3, 2025, the FIR names six individuals, including veteran Congress figure Sam Pitroda, and three companies - Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), Young Indian (YI), and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd.

According to the FIR, the accused face charges under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 403 (dishonest misappropriation) and 420 (cheating). Investigators allege that properties allotted to AJL at concessional rates - meant strictly for public-welfare and journalistic activities - were illegally diverted for private financial benefit.

The Enforcement Directorate, whose complaint triggered the FIR, maintains that the takeover of AJL by Young Indian involved a highly questionable financial arrangement. Shares valued at over ₹2,000 crore were allegedly acquired for a nominal ₹50 lakh, giving Sonia and Rahul Gandhi - both controlling stakeholders in YI - substantial influence over AJL’s extensive real-estate assets.

The fresh police action marks an escalation in the case, which has been at the centre of political and legal battles for over a decade.