Greenpeace is getting into further trouble! An investigation by the CBI can’t be easy

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Greenpeace is getting into further trouble! An investigation by the CBI can’t be easyThe Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to probe the case of alleged violation of various sections of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by the Indian arm of global NGO Greenpeace. The Home Ministry has approached CBI to set an inquiry against the NGO.
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There may be divergent views within the ministry on the nature of probe to be ordered as even financial investigative agencies can carry out such probes.

However, it is reportedly said that the CBI probe is being justified on the ground that there is a need to investigate the proceeds of bank accounts used by Greenpeace India. There is also a need to probe about the circulation of money across various accounts and then allegedly parking them in fixed deposits.

The Home Ministry on September 2 had cancelled Greenpeace's FCRA registration citing alleged violations. "We have taken steps against Greenpeace India for FCRA violations, but during inspections we also came across other loopholes, which can be probed further only by a competent investigative agency. Also, there is an alternate opinion that the NGO could be given another chance and asked to rectify them," said an official familiar with the matter.

Moreover, in its licence cancellation order, the ministry recorded that a Greenpeace representative was called personally "to explain the details of entries and transaction pertaining to source of FDRs (fixed deposit receipts) on August 19. However, instead of clarifying, the representative preferred to reply that they have already answered the queries at different forum".

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On Wednesday, the Madras High Court granted an interim stay for eight weeks on the cancellation of the NGO's registration under FCRA. "We are confident that we have a strong legal case to demonstrate that the MHA is acting without any justification," said Vinuta Gopal, co-executive director of Greenpeace India.

The home ministry said it will study the order and appeal against the same.

If a CBI inquiry is instituted against Greenpeace, it will be the second such case of alleged FCRA violation entrusted to the probe agency.

Earlier, the Home Ministry had ordered an inquiry into the affairs of Gujarat-based activist Teesta Setalvad's NGO Sabrang Communications. CBI later registered an FIR against Setalvad and her husband and carried out raids.

Greenpeace India has been charged with transfer of funds from its designated FCRA accounts to other accounts and underreporting of receipts of overseas funding.

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(Image: Indiatimes)