MHA probe to unearth links between charity funds and terror

In the midst of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri’s threat on the formation of a new terror outfit dedicated to wage jihad in the Indian subcontinent, the Ministry of Home (MHA) has launched an internal probe against hefty amounts being pumped from Pakistan, Egypt and Bangladesh in last three years.

It was learnt that during the UPA regime, foreign funds from these countries has reached India meant for few organisations, whose credibility in the name of social works is highly questionable.

As per statistics available from the MHA (a copy is with the Millennium Post) revealed that since 2011, nearly Rs 4.3 crore has reached India from Pakistan to some of the social welfare organisations for the upliftment of the minorities.

Similarly, in the past three years, nearly Rs 43.9 lakhs have been sent from Egypt (al-Zawahiri’s home 

town), while Rs 10 crore from Bangladesh. Security experts claimed that though the amount looks ‘trivial’ but it is enough to create a stir in terms of terrorist activities within the sub-continent.

‘As per our dossier, around Rs 1,17,37,820 was spent to carry out the Mumbai 26/11 terror attack by Pakistan sponsored Lashkar-e-Taiba, which claimed lives of nearly 160 and left 300 critically injured. Here, we are talking about nearly Rs 16 crore, which was sent by Pakistan, Egypt and Bangladesh and one can imagine the consequences of even 50 per cent of the amount ‘if at all’ was diverted for subversive activities,’ MHA sources said. The source added: ‘We have identified some of the organisations who regularly receive funds from these countries and soon they will be summoned to justify their social welfare activities in India. We are also going to examine their money transactions since their inception.’

When asked why the ministry has decided to probe the matter, he said: ‘We are witnessing significant changes in the functioning of these organisations in terms of activities and facilities to its respective key officials. They were never under the scanner but the new government has decided to bring things on track as far as the nation’s security is concerned.’

Recently, Al-Zawahiri said the group would help expand Al-Qaeda attacks in India as well as work to end what he called the suffering of Muslims throughout the region, including Kashmir, Myanmar and Bangladesh. His video claimed the new group would be led by two Pakistani militants from the area. 

‘Oh, our Muslim nation in the Indian sub-continent! Support your Mujahideen  brothers with your opinion and advice, and money, equipment and prayer, and follow the procession of jihad,’ Al-Zawahiri had said in the video.