In a major development in the National Herald case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his brother, MP DK Suresh, seeking details on alleged financial irregularities and transactions related to the Young Indian company. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) under Delhi Police has asked them to submit documents and explanations regarding Rs 2.5 crore donations made to Young Indian by December 19.
The move follows complaints of alleged illegal cash transactions and misuse of positions by Congress leaders to gain control over assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), valued between Rs 2,000–5,000 crore, reportedly by paying only ₹50 lakh. Other individuals named in the FIR include Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey, and Sham Pitroda.
The ED notice questions the source, purpose, and routing of the funds, including whether donation certificates were issued and whether discussions occurred with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, or other AICC leaders. The agency noted that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi hold 38% stake in Young Indian, and alleged that a Rs 90.21 crore loan to AJL was converted into Rs 9.02 crore equity shares, subsequently transferred to Young Indian, giving control over AJL’s vast assets.
Charges have been framed under Sections 3, 4, and 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In April 2025, the ED had attached AJL assets worth ₹661 crore across Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow. Shivakumar has been informed that he may appear in person or submit the required documents to the authorities.