New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell has initiated an inquiry into an alleged extortion attempt by two government officials, one of whom is currently posted in the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), for allegedly demanding money from an NGO in return for facilitating its registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
FCRA registration is required for eligible NGOs and associations to receive foreign contributions. Once granted, registration is ordinarily valid for five years and must subsequently be renewed. Over the past five years, the Centre has cancelled the FCRA registrations of several non-profits citing alleged violations of the Act and its rules, including non-compliance with documentation and filing requirements.
According to an MHA statement, the ministry received specific information about two officials—one working as a senior accountant and the other as an accountant—who allegedly approached an NGO and sought illegal gratification in return for facilitating its pending FCRA registration.
The information was subsequently shared with the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, following which the two officials were apprehended on 28 September.
“One of the officials is presently posted in the Foreigners Division of the MHA, while the other, presently posted in a Pay & Accounts Office, had earlier served in the Foreigners Division,” the MHA statement said.
“Preliminary questioning indicates that they were in contact with certain associations for facilitating their registration and renewal in lieu of illegal gratification. Further investigation is in progress,” it added.
Speaking to ThePrint, a source said, “We have initiated an inquiry into the matter and the two officials are being questioned. Prima facie, it appears that they sought money while promising to get an FCRA registration for an NGO. It also appears that they may have done so in the past too.”
The MHA in its statement said appropriate legal and departmental action was being taken in the matter. It also stressed that all FCRA related services are provided online through the designated FCRA portal. “No intermediary, agent or individual is authorised to facilitate any FCRA service,” the ministry emphasised.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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