The BRICS TimesShishir had earlier informed the High Court that his June 2024 complaint had prompted a CBI inquiry. He also claimed multiple appearances before the agency in Delhi, where he submitted evidence linked to Rahul Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to a Karnataka-based BJP worker who approached the Allahabad High Court alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi holds British citizenship. The individual has been identified as S. Vignesh Shishir. According to the notice, Shishir has been directed to appear before the central probe agency on September 9. ED officials confirmed that he has been asked to bring along all relevant documents and evidence in connection with the case, which is being investigated under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Sources within the agency noted that the allegations are currently under scrutiny, as FEMA empowers the ED to examine complaints related to possible violations of foreign exchange laws by individuals or entities. When sought for comment on the developments, the Congress party declined to respond.
The controversy intensified after Shishir filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Allahabad High Court, where he claimed possession of official documents and email communications from the British government. According to his plea, these materials prove that Rahul Gandhi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is in fact a British citizen and therefore ineligible to contest elections in India. On August 30, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice B.R. Singh, directed the central government to provide Shishir with round-the-clock security, noting that the petitioner had lodged a case against an “extremely influential individual” and was facing continuous threats. The court observed that in compliance with notices, Shishir had to appear before the investigating officer at Rae Bareli’s Kotwali police station, further heightening concerns about his safety.
Shishir also apprised the High Court that a CBI investigation had already begun following the complaint he filed in June 2024. He asserted that he had appeared before the agency on multiple occasions in Delhi and submitted documentary evidence connected to Gandhi’s alleged foreign citizenship. The High Court has now scheduled the next hearing in the matter for October 9. During earlier proceedings, the central government informed the court that it had formally reached out to the British government, requesting details regarding Gandhi’s supposed citizenship status.
