CBI files chargesheet against Oxfam India

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed a charge sheet against Oxfam India, a research and advocacy group, along with its former chief executive, Amitabh Behar, in an alleged case of breach of provisions related to foreign contribution, according to official sources.

The charge sheet, before a special court in the capital, includes names of both Oxfam India and Behar, who is currently the Executive Director at Oxfam International.

A formal complaint by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which set off an investigation into the finances of the organisation, was made in April 2023. Oxfam India had not responded officially at the time of writing, despite efforts to elicit comments.

According to the complaint, Oxfam India, after its FCRA registration had lapsed, was supposed to have resorted to alternative arrangements in an attempt to circumvent the legal restrictions imposed. The complaint also alleged that an email communication discovered during a survey conducted by the CBDT as part of the income tax procedure revealed a plot to manipulate the Indian government for the renewal of FCRA with the help of foreign entities.

This report indicates that the investigation found Oxfam India utilising its wide outreach to solicit assistance from international groups to lobby with Indian authorities for its interests.

Oxfam India has repeatedly claimed that it fully complies with all of India’s legal requirements, including the filing of FCRA returns on time since its inception. Oxfam India claimed to have cooperated with the government agencies concerned when its FCRA registration was not renewed in December 2021.