Under Secretary in MHA, Anand Joshi went missing after the CBI issued him a notice for summons.
A home ministry official, who had disappeared four days ago after his Ghaziabad residence was raided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was detained by the agency on Sunday evening, in connection with a case of alleged issuance of arbitrary notices to NGOs and societies, under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), for financial gains. Social activist Teesta Setalvad's NGO, Sabrang Trust, was also allegedly targeted by Anand Joshi.
Joshi, an under secretary in the ministry of home affairs (MHA), was nabbed by officials in the Tilak Nagar area, CBI sources said. "Joshi's movements were being monitored ever since he went missing on Wednesday morning. He is currently being questioned at the CBI headquarters," said CBI sources.
Joshi, a resident in the Media times apartment in Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, went missing after the CBI issued him a notice for summons. Joshi failed to answer the summons after which a second notice was further issued.
Joshi, who was recently posted in the foreigners' division, had access to files relating to the FCRA. According to MHA officials, Joshi was under the scanner for several months. The CBI was informed after MHA officials ascertained that Joshi was taking bribes.
On Monday, the CBI filed a case against Joshi for allegedly indulging in corrupt activities and arbitrarily issuing notices to non-governmental organisations (NGO) and societies receiving significant amount of foreign currency. The MHA official was allegedly demanding illegal gratification from some organisations which were laundered through immovable assets and private companies. In searches conducted at four locations including Joshi's residence and office almost Rs 7.5 lakh was recovered and files from the MHA and ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) were found.
The missing files pertaining to the Sabrang Trust were also recovered from Joshi's residence.
In a statement released by the Sabrang Trust, Setalvad clarified they have not committed any violation of FCRA norms. "The 'order' dated September 9, 2015, suspending FCRA registration for 180 days had been arrived in an arbitrary manner without application of mind," the statement read. Setalvad went on to confirm that Joshi was not part of the four-member team that inspected their offices. However, the NGO received an official communication from Joshi dated June 4, 2015, that made certain "observations" concerning alleged violations of FCRA, 2010 and FCR rules, 2011.
The CBI has registered a case under sections 13(2) read with 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120b of the Indian Penal Code.
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