The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the fifth time in connection with the National Herald money laundering case.
The former Congress President appeared at the ED headquarters here at 11.15 AM and his questioning began about half an hour later after completing formalities like marking his attendance.
The Congress MP from Wayanad has been questioned for nearly 50 hours spread over five days. Gandhi sought a break for 30 minutes and agency allowed it at around 8PM on Tuesday. He did not take a break post-noon as in earlier four sessions, officials said. A strong contingent of police and paramilitary personnel was deployed around agency's office and Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was clamped in area to prohibit people from amassing in wake of Satyagrah call by Congress. During multiple sessions of questioning, Gandhi’s statements are being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Last week, he was questioned for three consecutive days.Gandhi left agency office after midnight on Monday. The probe relates to alleged financial irregularities in Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns National Herald newspaper.
The ED questions revolved around incorporation of Young Indian Private Limited, operations of National Herald, the loan given by party to newspaper's publisher Associated Journals Limited (AJL), and transfer of funds within the news media establishment as also decision-making hierarchy within three entities, officials said.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also been summoned by agency for questioning in case on June 23. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are major shareholders of Young Indian.
She was discharged from a private hospital on Monday where she was admitted for Covid-related issues and has now been advised rest. The Congress has accused Centre of targeting Opposition leaders by misusing investigative agencies and has termed entire action a political vendetta.