‘Harassment’: Amnesty After CBI Raids Bengaluru, Delhi Offices

The raid is being conducted in connection with the violation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

Amnesty International Group in Bengaluru.

(Photo: PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday, 15 November, conducted raids at the Amnesty International India’s Bengaluru and Delhi offices.

It is being conducted in connection with the violation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

The raid comes weeks after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a show-cause to it for “violation of the foreign exchange law to the tune of over Rs 51 crore,” officials said.

CBI Registers Case Against Amnesty

Hours after the raid, the CBI in a statement said a case was registered against Amnesty International India and three of its associate organisations for alleged violation of laws pertaining to Rs 36 crore foreign fundings.

The raids were conducted as part of the investigation into this case.

The case was registered against Amnesty International India Pvt Ltd (AIIPL), Indians For Amnesty International Trust (IAIT), Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT), Amnesty International South Asia Foundation (AISAF) and others.

Officials said the CBI registered the case on 5 November, following a complaint lodged by the Home Ministry for alleged violation of the provision of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and Indian Penal Code.

It was alleged that the provision of the FCRA and IPC were contravened by the aforesaid entities by receiving foreign contributions from Amnesty International UK through AIIPL even though prior registration or permissions were denied to AIIFT and other trusts under FCRA, the officials said.

Later, the ANI reported that CBI found evidence of Amnesty involved in malpractice.

‘We're in Compliance With Indian, International Law’: Amnesty India

“Yes, raids were carried out. Details are awaited,” a CBI officer told PTI.

An Amnesty International India executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said about half-a-dozen CBI sleuths arrived at about 8:30 am at the Bengaluru office and carried out searches till 5 pm."

It stated, “Over the past year, a pattern of harassment has emerged every time the organisation stands up and speaks out against human rights violations in India.”

It further added, “We stand in full compliance with Indian and international law. Our work in India, as elsewhere, is to uphold and fight for universal human rights. These are same values that are enshrined in the Indian Constitution and flow from a long and rich Indian tradition of pluralism, tolerance and dissent.”

(With inputs from ANI. This is a developing story. More updates will be added).

(With inputs from PTI)