Odisha Police issues notice to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation in case linked to Rahul Gandhi

The Jharsuguda police served a notice to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), headquartered in New Delhi, on Tuesday, seeking comprehensive details of its finances and foreign contributions.

As per a report by the New Indian Express, the action comes in connection with a case filed last year against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged anti-national remarks made in February 2024.

According to the notice issued by Jharsuguda SDPO Umashankar Singh on September 3, RGF’s finance director, Sandeep Anand, has been asked to appear before the investigating officer by November 4.

The foundation has been directed to furnish complete records of foreign donations it has received since its establishment on June 21, 1991, including bank account details, names of auditors, and its FCRA licence.

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Citing Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, police have also demanded a year-wise breakdown of grants received, information on the bank accounts where these were deposited, and clarifications regarding the alleged diversion of funds from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund during the UPA regime.

The notice further seeks an explanation on contributions reportedly received from organisations with links deemed contrary to India’s national interests, along with details on how these funds were utilised. The foundation was warned that failure to comply could attract penal provisions under Section 210 of BNSS.

Meanwhile, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy commented that Rahul Gandhi frequently makes statements without adequate understanding, stressing that this case would serve as a ‘lesson’ for him.

The controversy stems from Rahul Gandhi’s speech on January 15, 2024, during the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in New Delhi. Following a complaint by local residents, including Ramhari Pujari, an FIR was registered at the Jharsuguda police station on February 7 under Section 152 of BNSS (acts threatening India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity) and Section 197(1)(d) of BNSS (statements causing public mischief).