The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a money-laundering probe linked to the National Herald newspaper. He arrived at the agency's headquarters in New Delhi at 11 am on June 13.
The Gandhi family scion was questioned for about two and half hours before breaking for lunch at 2.10 pm. Officials said the questioning is expected to continue till evening. His statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The central agency is investigating the financial irregularities in the party-promoted Young Indian that owns the National Herald newspaper National Herald is published by the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt. Limited. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are among the promoters and shareholders of the company.
Congress followers were gathered before the ED office and officials had to put up barricades to keep them out. Rahul Gandhi had to take a detour to enter the office. The Congress leaders had proposed a march in support of Gandhi. The Delhi Police imposed Section 144 CrPC in the area around party headquarters at Akbar Road to maintain peace.
Indian Youth Congress president Srinivas BV said the interrogation of Gandhi is oppression by the Modi government and the Congress party will fight it. He added that the party workers are not scared.
"The Modi Government should be ashamed that they have turned central Delhi into a fortress just because our leader is going to the ED with his supporters," said the Congress leader. He along with other workers was detained by the police.
The MP was accompanied by a battery of party leaders and supporters. A large convoy of party leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel came with him from the Congress office on Akbar Road.