Telangana HC flags dubious NGOs for faking orphans to get foreign donations
The court remarked that it is widely known that some organizations falsely portray children with families as orphans to attract foreign donations.
By - Newsmeter Network
Telangana High Court (File Photo)
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has flagged certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for falsely portraying children with families as orphans and misusing funds meant for the welfare of the underprivileged.
Court flags misrepresentation of children
The court remarked that it is widely known that some organizations falsely portray children with families as orphans to attract foreign donations. It also noted that, in some cases, the same student’s profile is circulated among donors in multiple countries under the pretext of scholarships to raise funds.
Interim orders on OM Group of Charities
The High Court issued interim orders restraining the alienation of properties belonging to the Operation Mobilization (OM) India Group of Charities, which is already facing allegations and cases related to financial irregularities.
Petition seeks CBI probe
The case came up for hearing before Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka following a petition filed by Secunderabad resident Gauri Paga Albert Loyal.
The petitioner alleged that the organization’s management was not transparent and accused its administrators of appointing close relatives to key positions, thereby deriving undue financial benefits.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that there were violations under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Existing investigations and allegations
It was brought to the court’s attention that the CID had already conducted an investigation and filed a chargesheet in August 2023. However, the petitioner alleged that aspects related to foreign contributions were overlooked.
Based on the CID case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also registered a case and provisionally attached certain assets. It was further alleged that representatives of the organization were attempting to sell properties across various states.
CBI Response and Court’s Observation
The CBI’s counsel informed the court that no formal complaint had been received by the agency to initiate an investigation.
Reacting to the submissions, the judge observed that the activities of some NGOs operating in the name of service are widely known and raised concerns over their functioning.
Notices issued, hearing adjourned
The High Court issued notices to the Union and State Home Departments, CBI, DGP, CID Additional Director General, and the OM Group of Charities, seeking explanations on the matter.
The hearing has been adjourned to April 23 for further proceedings.
