CBI files FIR, raids AAP leader Pathak for FCRA violations

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday raided the residence of senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak, as part of its probe into alleged violations of foreign funding laws by the party.

- Neeraj Chauhan and Alok KN Mishra

NEW DELHI:

The move followed the registration of a first information report (FIR) against Pathak, a now-deceased party member Kapil Bhardwaj, and other "unknown private persons" in connection with foreign donations allegedly received in contravention of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

The FIR, registered on April 14, is based on an earlier Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe that found the party had received foreign contributions in violation of both the FCRA and Section 29B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which bars political parties from accepting foreign funds.

CBI officials said the agency began with a preliminary enquiry after the Union home ministry entrusted it with the case on May 20, 2024. "The PE has been turned into an FIR on April 14," said an officer, asking not to be named.