New Delhi, April 17: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a probe into Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Durgesh Pathak and Kapil Bhardwaj over alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, as amended in 2020.
The investigation, initiated after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), follows findings shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED’s findings led to the registration of an FIR against AAP office bearers, including Pathak and Bhardwaj.
According to the FIR, AAP allegedly formed a network called “AAP Overseas India” involving volunteers in the USA, Canada, and Australia to raise foreign funds. These contributions were reportedly sent directly to AAP leaders, bypassing legal donation channels and without proper declarations in official records.
The allegations include illegal acceptance of foreign contributions, concealment of donor identities, and manipulation of data. Investigators claim that 155 foreign donors contributed over ₹1 crore using 55 passport numbers, with some passports linked to multiple donors. Furthermore, 201 individuals allegedly used just 51 email IDs to donate on 639 occasions.
Additionally, 75 people reportedly used 15 credit cards to donate nearly ₹20 lakh, while only 21 mobile numbers were linked to 71 donors. Donations amounting to ₹51 lakh from 19 Canadian citizens were not properly declared, and at least one Canadian national is said to have donated directly via AAP’s online portal.
Earlier today, the CBI conducted searches at the residence of Durgesh Pathak, who is also the party’s Gujarat co-incharge. The raids are part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged FCRA violations.
Responding to the developments, AAP described the raids as politically motivated. “The dirty game of the BJP and the Modi government has started again,” said senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh during a press conference. “Our biggest leader was jailed, and raids were carried out in Punjab and Delhi. Now, the same is being done to Durgesh Pathak because he was working to strengthen our presence in Gujarat.”
Singh also highlighted that AAP secured 14% of the vote share in the Gujarat elections, suggesting the probe is an attempt to thwart the party’s growing influence.
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