India blocks foreign funding of Modi critic’s trust
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NEW DELHI, (APP): India blocks foreign funding of Modi critic’s trust
The Indian government has cancelled the foreign funding license of a non-profit trust run by a high-profile activist known for her vocal criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it misused overseas funds.
The Home Ministry alleged in an order Thursday that the Sabrang Trust, run by activist Teesta Setalvad, made multiple violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
It came as a court Friday sentenced 24 Hindus involved in a 2002 massacre during religious riots in western Gujarat state, when Modi was chief minister -- a key focus of Setalvad's campaigns.
Foreign funds were used inappropriately by Sabrang trustees to order food takeaways, as well as personal items including nail clippers, wet wipes and sanitary napkins, according to the order, a copy of which was shared with AFP.
"This amounts to using the foreign contribution for the purpose not authorized as per provisions of FCRA," home ministry undersecretary Deepak Kumar said in the order.
The trust also illegally mixed foreign and domestic funds, the Thursday order said.
