The Odisha Police has asked the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), based in New Delhi, to share complete details of its financial transactions since it was set up in 1991. This includes a year-wise record of all foreign funds received. The request is linked to an investigation against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, The Indian Express reported.
In a letter dated September 3, Jharsuguda sub-divisional police officer Umashankar Singh, who is handling the case, wrote to RGF director Sandeep Anand seeking details of donations, including of the banks where they were deposited, and the names and contact details of those authorised to operate the accounts. The police also asked for a copy of the Foundation’s licence, along with information about its auditors.
Donations to RGF under scanner
The police letter also mentioned the claims that said RGF had received donations from Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in 2011 and also from the Chinese government, reported IE. Investigators asked the foundation to explain the purpose of such contributions and how the money was spent. The letter further alleged that funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund were transferred to RGF during the UPA era, and it asked for justification of those transfers.
How does Rahul Gandhi come into the picture?
The police said the requested documents and information were “necessary” for carrying their investigation on Rahul Gandhi. They asked the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) to respond by November 4 and told its finance director to appear in person to answer questions related to the case, reported IE.
The order also mentioned, “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.”
Rahul Gandhi was booked on February 7 for a speech he made at the Congress headquarters in January where he said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP were “capturing every single institution” and claimed his party was not only fighting the BJP “but the Indian state itself.”
The case was filed after a complaint by a local BJP leader, Rama Hari Pujhari, who accused Gandhi of making “anti-national” statements. He also alleged Gandhi went beyond the limits of free speech by saying his party was fighting “not only the BJP but the Indian state itself.”