The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has escalated its investigation into the National Herald case by issuing a formal notice to Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar. This move marks a significant expansion of the probe, which is already targeting senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Notice Served to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister
According to official sources, the Delhi Police EOW served the notice to D.K. Shivakumar on December 5, 2025. The notice requires the senior Congress leader to provide specific information and documents related to the financial dealings under scrutiny. Shivakumar, a key figure in the Congress party and the government of Karnataka, is now formally part of the investigation.
The case revolves around allegations of financial irregularities associated with the acquisition of assets by Young Indian Private Limited, a company in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi hold majority stakes. These assets were previously owned by the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the National Herald newspaper.
Deepening Probe into Congress Leadership
The issuance of the notice to Shivakumar indicates that investigators are broadening the scope of their inquiry beyond the immediate Gandhi family. Legal experts suggest the EOW is examining the roles of other party functionaries who may have been involved in the transaction or had knowledge of it.
The case, which has been a long-standing point of political contention, was recently reignited after the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi seeking to quash the summons issued against them. This legal green light has empowered the investigative agencies to proceed more aggressively.
An FIR was registered earlier, naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and misappropriation of property. The central allegation is that party funds were misused to gain control over valuable real estate assets worth crores of rupees.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
The development is certain to trigger a fresh wave of political confrontation. The Congress party has consistently labeled the case as a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by the ruling BJP. The notice to a sitting Deputy Chief Minister from an opposition-ruled state is expected to intensify this rhetoric.
For DK Shivakumar, this presents a significant legal and political challenge. His response to the EOW notice will be closely watched. Legal compliance is mandatory, and any perceived non-cooperation could lead to further legal action.
Meanwhile, the proceedings against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi continue. The next phases of the investigation will likely involve detailed scrutiny of financial records, board meeting minutes of AJL and Young Indian, and statements from various individuals associated with the deal.
The National Herald case remains one of the most high-profile legal battles in Indian politics, with potential implications for the Congress party's leadership and its political strategy in the run-up to future elections. As the EOW digs deeper, more revelations and developments are anticipated in the coming weeks.
