Home Ministry Urged To Probe Into Andhra NGO Seeking Funds To Train Christian Preachers, Violations In Foreign Contributions

A Hyderabad-based non-governmental legal organisation has urged the Union Home Ministry to launch a probe against a charitable non-governmental organisation (NGO) for various violations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

Hyderabad-based Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), in a representation to the FCRA Division director in the Home Ministry, has alleged that Harvest India, the NGO, had received funds from abroad and utilised them to train Christian religious preachers. Swarajya has a copy of the complaint.

LRPF working president A S Santhosh complained that huge sums received as donations from abroad were being used to create fixed assets by Harvest India.

Stating that a huge church was constructed by the Christian NGO, Santhosh said that no funds were received for the construction of the worship place and questioned its source of funding.

While Andhra-based Harvest India claims to be a charitable organisation, on social media it seeks funds for “crusades, pastors-support, Bible college support and church planting support”, the complaint alleged.

Harvest India in its Instagram posts had sought sponsorship for pastors and Bible college students. Its web page also states that it is collecting money for monthly sponsorship of pastors and Bible school students.

LPRF said accounts of the NGO did not show any money being received for the purpose in its returns and alleged that the money collected under the head was not reflected in the filed returns.

The legal body alleged that Harvest India chief functionary Suresh Kumar has been making false allegations against the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Moreover, Kumar was regularly making derogatory comments on idol worship and Hindu Gods, besides indulging in hate speeches. Scheduled Castes were being lured through false allegations and promise of equal opportunities, Santhosh complained.

There has also been misuse of visas by foreigners who visit Harvest India, he added, attaching proofs of the allegations he has raised.