Medha Patkar-led NBA accepting illegal foreign funds

via HK published on July 9, 2006

New Delhi : The ‘social activist’ Medha Patkar and Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) came under judicial scanner with Supreme Court issuing notice to them over the allegation of accepting illegal foreign funds.


 
Petitioner’s counsel Anil Dave accused the NBA of acting at the behest of foreign powers and creating political instability in the country on the strength of foreign funds.



He requested the court to examine how the NBA was getting foreign funds without even being registered. It was a violation of foreign contribution regulation act (FCRA), Dave told the bench.



As per the court’s earlier direction, the petitioner produced several documents to point out the alleged involvement of the NBA in illegal activities including attack on government officials and setting up of parallel courts. 

Police had earlier seized a computer and other documents showed that NBA had received 42,000 dollars from Mcarthur foundation of USA and Oxfam, UK.



According to the information received from the computer, the NBA was getting foreign funds from right livelihood foundation and Goldman Foundation.

The Sardar Sarovar Project was getting delayed due to the NBA’s campaign funded by foreign agencies and the project cost has gone up from 6,500 crore to 40,000 crore since 1986.



Citing a vigilance report of Madhya Pradesh government, Dave alleged over Rs 35 lakh was deposited in various fictitious accounts in a short span and withdrawn.



The petitioner wanted the court to direct the Centre and the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to inquire into the alleged illegal routing of foreign money by the NBA and its support groups and its use against national interest.



The petitioner submitted that the NBA agitation in the last 17 years has led to delay and suspension of several Hydel projects of national importance such as Sardar Sarovar Project, Maan Project, Indrasagar Project, Omkareshwar Project and others in Narmada valley resulting in spiralling costs, colossal loss and damage to national assets and adverse effect on the national economy.

Welcome to Haindava Keralam! Register for Free or Login as a privileged HK member to enjoy auto-approval of your comments and to receive periodic updates.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 characters available

19 + eleven =

Responses

Latest Articles from Bharath Focus

Did You Know?