Odisha police seek Rajiv Gandhi Foundation’s financial records in probe against Rahul Gandhi

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has asked the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) to submit detailed financial records, including foreign contributions received since its inception in 1991, as part of an investigation into a case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Jharsuguda police issued a notice to RGF director Sandeep Anand on September 3, seeking a year-wise account of foreign funding, details of bank accounts, authorized signatories, auditors, and a copy of its license under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The foundation has been asked to respond by November 4, with its director of finance required to appear in person.

The notice is linked to an FIR lodged against Rahul Gandhi on February 7 under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly threatening India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity. The case, based on a complaint by BJP functionary Rama Hari Pujhari, stems from a speech Gandhi made in January during the inauguration of the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi, a trustee and executive committee member of RGF, is under investigation in connection with the case. His mother, Sonia Gandhi, is the foundation’s chairperson.

The police letter also referred to allegations that the RGF had received donations from controversial preacher Zakir Naik in 2011, as well as substantial funding from the Chinese government. It further sought clarification on reported diversions of funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund during the UPA regime.

“If the allegations are true, justify the reasons with [the] purpose of receipt of donation with details of its expenditure,” the notice stated, warning that failure to comply would invite legal action under Section 210 of the BNS, in addition to charges in the existing case.

IG (Northern Range) Himansu Kumar Lal said the financial information was relevant to the investigation. “We can give you details after receiving the information,” he told the Indian Express.

In his January speech, Gandhi had accused the BJP and the RSS of “capturing every single institution” in the country, remarking that his party was not only fighting the BJP “but the Indian state itself”. The complainant alleged the remarks were anti-national and exceeded the limits of free speech.

The RGF has not yet issued a response to the notice.