New Delhi, 29 September (H.S.): A senior accountant posted in the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and another accountant who had previously worked in the division have been detained for allegedly demanding a bribe in exchange for facilitating a pending registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

Officials said on Tuesday that, acting on specific information received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Delhi Police Special Cell, in coordination with central agencies, detained the two government officials in New Delhi on September 28. The two allegedly approached an association and demanded an illegal payment in return for facilitating its pending FCRA registration.

According to officials, one of the arrested officials is currently serving as a senior accountant in the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, while the other is presently working as an accountant in the Pay and Accounts Office and had previously been posted in the Foreigners Division.

Preliminary questioning has indicated that the two officials were allegedly in contact with certain organisations and sought to assist them in obtaining or renewing FCRA registrations in exchange for illegal payments. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also clarified that all FCRA-related services are available online through the FCRA portal and that no intermediary, agent or individual has been authorised to provide assistance in obtaining any FCRA service.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar