CBI-ED synergize for Nat’l Herald raids in 12 cities

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) swung into action on Tuesday launching search and seizure operations at the National Herald House in Delhi and 11 more cities including Lucknow, Mumbai, in connection with a money laundering case.

A source confirmed that synergies between the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) led to the sharing of actionable data gleaned through the multiple rounds of questioning of Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi by the latter. It resulted in the raids conducted on the National Herald offices on Tuesday.

On condition of anonymity, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP)—who is attending the ongoing Parliamentary Monsoon Session—said, “It was a rather pleasant surprise that there were no disruptions from the opposition benches in the wake of the nationwide raids being conducted by the central agencies. We expected that from the Congress MPs, but they allowed both houses of Parliament to conduct the day’s affairs smoothly. Though, some protests were witnessed outside the National Herald House building in Delhi where a raid was underway.” The BJP has issued instructions to all its MPs to remain present in both the houses in full strength on Wednesday, in anticipation of major disruptions expected by the party. “We have issued instructions as part of our house floor management plan for the Lok Sabha tomorrow (Wednesday), when the opposition benches are likely to create largescale disturbances.”

BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy had initiated litigation before the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the apex court had ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, following which it directed the ED to lodge a case and carry out investigations into the National Herald case of alleged money laundering. A CBI advisory regarding the ongoing search and seizure operations was still anticipated at the time of going to press.