CBI searches Teesta Setalvad's premises in Mumbai

The CBI on Tuesday searched four premises of social activist Teesta Setalvad and her publishing firm in Mumbai in connection with a case of alleged violation of FCRA norms and receiving foreign funds without government sanction.

Teams of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) searched the premises belonging to Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand, Gulam Mohammed Peshimam and the offices of her firm Sabrang Communications and Publishing Pvt. Ltd. (SCPPL) in Mumbai.

On July 8, the CBI had registered a case against them in New Delhi, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

The CBI alleged that they received foreign contribution of $290,000 from the US-based Ford Foundation without registration and prior permission of the union home ministry as stipulated by the FCRA.

Some time ago, the government directed the CBI to probe the funds transfer as it was violative of FCRA norms.

Anand, Setalvad and Mohammed are directors of SCPPL, based in Santa Cruz in Mumbai.

The Gujarat government had also asked the union home department to initiate action against Ford Foundation, accusing it of interfering in the country's internal affairs and abetting communal disharmony through Setalvad's organisation.

Reacting to the raids, Setalvad expressed surprise over the CBI action, particularly since she has been fully cooperating with the agency in the matter.