NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 29: Two officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have been apprehended for allegedly seeking bribes from an association in exchange for facilitating its registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), officials said.
The two officials, identified as a senior accountant and an accountant, were apprehended in New Delhi on September 28 by the Delhi Police Special Cell in coordination with central agencies, according to the MHA.
One of the officials is currently posted in the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, while the other is posted in a Pay and Accounts Office and had previously served in the Foreigners Division.
According to the preliminary investigation, the two officials were allegedly in contact with certain associations and sought illegal gratification to facilitate their FCRA registration and renewal.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said further investigation is underway and appropriate legal and departmental action will be taken against the officials.
The ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and clarified that all FCRA-related services are provided online through the official FCRA portal.
The MHA also cautioned that no intermediary, agent or individual is authorised to facilitate any FCRA service.
