The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested two government officials, including one posted in the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) Foreigners Division, for allegedly seeking illegal gratification from an association in return for facilitating its pending registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The two officials were arrested on Monday following a tip-off received by the MHA about their alleged activities. According to a government statement, one of the officials is a senior accountant currently posted in the MHA's Foreigners Division, while the other is an accountant posted in a Pay and Accounts Office. The second official had previously served in the Foreigners Division.
The officials allegedly approached an association and sought money to help facilitate its pending FCRA registration. Police are now investigating whether the two were involved in similar cases involving FCRA registrations or renewals in the past.
The MHA has maintained that there is no authorised intermediary or agent for FCRA-related services. Associations can access registration, renewal and other FCRA services through the official online portal. The ministry has also said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and that appropriate legal and departmental action will be taken in the matter.
The investigation is currently underway, and police are probing whether other individuals or associations were involved in the alleged activities. The allegations against the officials are yet to be established in court.
