CBI Investigates Sonam Wangchuk’s Organization for Alleged FCRA Violations
Investigation focuses on foreign fund transactions at HIAL and SECMOL between 2022-24
NEW DELHI, Sept 25: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by institutions founded by Ladakh-based educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, officials confirmed on Thursday. While no FIR has been registered yet, the inquiry is reportedly ongoing.
Wangchuk stated that the CBI team visited the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) and the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) about ten days ago, following a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding alleged FCRA violations. The authorities are scrutinizing foreign funds received by the institutions between 2022 and 2024.
“The order stated we had not taken FCRA clearance to receive foreign funds. However, we do not rely on foreign contributions; instead, we export knowledge and generate revenue. In three cases, authorities considered these as foreign contributions,” Wangchuk said.
He added that the complaint pertained to service agreements with taxes duly paid, involving collaborations with the United Nations, a Swiss university, and an Italian organization. Wangchuk alleged that CBI officers expanded their review beyond the complaint’s period to 2020 and 2021 and requested documents from unrelated schools under HIAL.
“These schools provide free education to underprivileged students, and HIAL even pays stipends for project work. Yet the CBI is rigorously combing through records, though they have not questioned me,” he said.
Wangchuk further alleged that the CBI action followed a series of governmental measures, including a sedition case, cancellation of leased land for HIAL, and income tax summons, despite him voluntarily paying taxes in a tax-free region. He described the probe as “guns blazing from all sides.”
The activist had begun a hunger strike on September 10, demanding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood. The region witnessed severe unrest on Wednesday, with violent protests targeting BJP offices, the Hill Council, and public property, prompting police and paramilitary forces to intervene with teargas.
