Two officials held for seeking bribes from NGO for FCRA registration
Two government officials were apprehended by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on Monday, September 28, 2026, after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received specific information about alleged corruption in the processing of registrations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The arrests were made in coordination with Central agencies, the Ministry said.
Allegations and arrests
According to an official statement from the MHA, the two officials—one serving as a Senior Accountant and the other as an Accountant—are accused of approaching an association and demanding illegal gratification to facilitate its pending FCRA registration. One of the accused is currently posted in the MHA’s Foreigners Division, which deals with matters related to the FCRA. The second official is presently posted in a Pay and Accounts Office and had previously served in the Foreigners Division.
Preliminary questioning by investigators has indicated that the duo allegedly reached out to various associations, offering to secure new FCRA registrations as well as renewals in exchange for unlawful payments. Authorities are examining the scale of the alleged network, including whether additional individuals or entities may have been involved.
Background: What FCRA registration entails
FCRA registration is a mandatory requirement for non-governmental organizations and associations in India that intend to receive foreign funds. The registration process, overseen by the MHA, is designed to regulate foreign contributions and ensure they are used for legitimate and declared purposes. The Foreigners Division of the MHA administers these matters, including applications for registration and renewal.
Ministry’s stance and warnings to applicants
Reiterating its position on integrity in public services, the MHA emphasized that it maintains a strict policy against corrupt practices. “The Ministry of Home Affairs has zero tolerance towards corruption,” the statement said. It added that all services related to the FCRA are delivered online via the designated FCRA portal.
The Ministry cautioned non-profit associations against engaging intermediaries or third parties who claim to influence or expedite FCRA processes. It underscored that no outside facilitation is permitted: “No intermediary, agent or individual is authorised to facilitate any FCRA-related service.” Organizations seeking registration or renewal were urged to use only the official online portal and avoid unauthorised persons.
Investigation and next steps
The arrests followed a targeted operation based on information developed by the MHA and shared with law enforcement. The Special Cell’s intervention led to the detention of the two officials, after which initial interrogations were conducted. Investigators are now mapping communications and interactions with multiple associations to determine how many applications may have been affected and whether any payments were made or solicited beyond the reported instance.
The MHA said that further investigation is underway. Appropriate legal and departmental proceedings have been initiated against the accused officials, and additional actions will follow based on the outcome of the inquiry.
Significance
The case underscores the government’s focus on preserving the integrity of the FCRA framework, which plays a crucial role in regulating foreign contributions to civil society organizations. By directing applicants to use only the official online system and by publicly flagging the alleged misconduct of serving officials, the MHA sought to reassure stakeholders that both systemic safeguards and accountability mechanisms are being enforced.
