Probe into foreign funds being received by Markazul Ma'arif: Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI: State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that the Union Home Ministry is conducting a high-level inquiry into the allegations of foreign funds being received by Markazul Ma'arif.

It is an NGO of the Badruddin Ajmal Group — by violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.

The Assam Police recently registered a case against the NGO under FCRA violation under the sections 120B and 124A of Indian Penal Code (IPC), and section 33A/B of FCRA for suspected terror link with offshore funding sources.

The FCRA is a legislation to regulate the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality by certain individuals or associations or companies. The Act also has provisions to prohibit the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activities detrimental to the national interest.

While addressing the media at the Janata Bhawan in Dispur on Friday, Sarma said that once the Home Ministry completes its investigation it would be clear as to how the Markazul Ma'arif and the Ajmal Foundation used to receive foreign funds. "The people of Assam will come to know about the outcome of the inquiry soon," he said.

Earlier refuting the allegations, Badruddin Ajmal said that his Foundation receives money under 'FCRA-2010'.

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