Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has sought extensive financial details from the New Delhi-based Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), including records of foreign funding received since its inception in 1991, in connection with an ongoing investigation against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
In a letter dated September 3 to RGF director Sandeep Anand, Jharsuguda Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Umashankar Singh, the investigating officer in the case, requested a year-wise breakdown of foreign contributions since June 1991. The notice also asked for the names of banks where these contributions were deposited, details of authorised signatories, and particulars such as their names, addresses, ages, parentage, and mobile numbers.
The request is linked to an FIR lodged on February 7 against Rahul Gandhi following a speech he delivered at the inauguration of the Congress’s new headquarters in New Delhi on January 15. The complaint, filed by a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary, accused Gandhi of making remarks that threatened “India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.” In his address, Gandhi alleged that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had captured national institutions and declared, “We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian State itself.”
The police letter further sought a copy of the foundation’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence, as well as details of its auditors. Investigators also cited allegations that the RGF had accepted donations from controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in 2011 and had received substantial funding from the Chinese government. The foundation has been asked to clarify the purpose of such donations and provide an account of how the funds were utilised.
Additionally, the letter referenced allegations that funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund were diverted to the RGF during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. “If the allegations are true, justify the reasons with the purpose of receipt of donation and its expenditure,” the notice stated.
The foundation has been directed to submit the requested documents and information by November 4. The police have also summoned the RGF’s director of finance to appear in person for questioning. Failure to comply, the notice warned, could invite legal action under Section 210 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), in addition to charges already filed in the case.
Significantly, Rahul Gandhi serves as a trustee and executive committee member of the foundation.
In his complaint on behalf of the BJP, the RSS, and other similar outfits, a BJP functionary identified as Rama Hari Pujhari accused Gandhi of “deliberately giving anti-national statements which hurt each and every Indian individual.” Subsequently, an FIR was registered under Section 152 BNSS (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) and Section 197(1)(d) BNSS (statements conducing to public mischief).
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