National Herald case: Sonia reaches ED office for Day 2; Rahul detained during protest

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 26) was detained while leading a protest march to Delhi’s Vijay Chowk against the Enforcement Directorate’s interrogation of his mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, Congress MPs staged a protest in the Parliament, alleging that the opposition was being silenced over the suspension of four party MPs for the monsoon session.

“We’re protesting as per the instruction of the police. All of this is a conspiracy by PM Modi and Amit Shah to completely destroy the opposition and muzzle our voices. We won’t be scared, our fight will continue,” Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha told reporters.

Sonia appeared before the ED for her second round of questioning in the money laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper amid widespread protests by party workers.

Ahead of her arrival, Congress workers began gathering at the party’s headquarters to join the protest planned against her questioning.

Also read: A step-by-step explanation of the National Herald case

Sonia reached the federal agency’s office in Vidyut Lane flanking the APJ Abdul Kalam Road in central Delhi around 11 am accompanied by her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

While Priyanka Gandhi stayed back at the ED office, Rahul Gandhi left soon after.

Earlier round of questioning

The 75-year old was questioned for over two hours during her first day of questioning in the case on July 21 where she replied to 28 questions put forth by the agency. The questioning pertains to the charge of alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper.

Officials have said all Covid-appropriate protocols have been put in place for the high-profile session like stationing of doctors and an ambulance, Covid negative certificates of investigators and proper physical distancing between Sonia and the team of investigators.

The Congress has slammed the agency’s action against its top leadership and termed it as “political vendetta”.

The Delhi Police deployed a huge force, including CRPF and RAF personnel, and barricade the entire over one kilometre stretch between her residence and the ED office. Traffic restrictions were also imposed in the area.

Rahul Gandhi has also been questioned by the ED in this case last month in sessions that clocked over 50 hours over five days.

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