International News

NEW DELHI, (APP/AFP) – The Indian government
has cancelled the foreign funding licence 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 authorised 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.