Investigating an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Odisha Police has issued a notice to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), headquartered in New Delhi, seeking comprehensive details of its finances, particularly the foreign funding it has received since June 1991, the year it was established.
The action is linked to a case filed earlier this year against Rahul Gandhi regarding his alleged “anti-national remarks.”
According to officials, the notice was issued by the Jharsuguda Police under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing RGF Finance Director Sandeep Anand to appear before the investigating officer on November 4.
In a letter dated September 3, Jharsuguda Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and Investigation Officer in the case, Umashankar Singh, directed Anand to submit year-wise break-up of the foreign funds received over the decades.
“How much foreign contribution Rajiv Gandhi Foundation has received since its inception i.e. June 21, 1991. Provide the details in year wise till date. Provide the details of the bank accounts in which the foreign contributions are deposited,” the notice stated.
The foundation has been asked to provide several documents and clarifications, including year-wise foreign contribution details since 1991, bank account information, names of its auditors, its FCRA license, and clarification for alleged donations from Zakir Naik in 2011 and the Chinese government in 2005-06.
The notice reads, “Provide the detailed name with alias and addresses (both Temp. and Permanent) with parentage, age, mobile number of the Authorized Signatory of those bank accounts. Provide the name/address/mobile number of Auditor of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Provide the true copy of license under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.”
“It is alleged that Rajiv Gandhi Foundation has received donation from Zakir Naik in the year 2011. If the allegations are true justify the reasons with purpose of receipt of donation with details of its expenditure. It is alleged that Rajiv Gandhi Foundation has received donation of $300,000 from the Chinese government during 2005-06. If the allegations are true justify the reasons with purpose of receipt of donation with details of its expenditure,” the notice added.
The notice also seeks an explanation regarding allegations of funds being diverted to the RGF from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund during the UPA government’s tenure. Officials stated that non-compliance could result in penal action under Section 210 BNSS.
The notice stated, “It is alleged that funds were diverted from Ministry of Finance, Prime Ministers Relief Fund during UPA Govt. to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Justify the purpose.”
“Failure on your part to comply or attend the same will render you liable for legal action U/s 210 BNS in addition to the charges in the above mentioned case,” the notice said.
The case stems from remarks made by Rahul Gandhi on January 15 this year at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in New Delhi. In his speech, Gandhi had said: “The BJP and the RSS have captured every single institution of our country. We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian State itself.”
Later on February 5, members of the BJP, BJP Yuva Morcha, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and BJP Legal Cell filed a complaint in Jharsuguda, alleging that Gandhi’s words incited rebellion.
Subsequently, an FIR was registered against him under Section 152 BNSS (acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) and Section 197(1)(d) BNSS (statements conducing to public mischief).
