CBI Conducts Searches at Harsh Mander’s Offices and Residence

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids at the offices and residences of social activist Harsh Mandir in Delhi on Friday morning, citing alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The CBI initiated the action following an FIR registration prompted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) inquiry into the temple and Aman Beradari, an NGO founded by Mandir. CBI sources indicate searches at his residence and the office premises of the Center for Equity Studies (CES).

Supreme Court lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan expressed on X that the CBI’s raid on Harsh Mandir is an attempt to target a noble and philanthropic individual who has devotedly worked for the weak and the poor. Bhushan suggests that Mandir is being singled out for criticism against the government, alleging the blatant use of various agencies to target critics.

In 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had searched Mandir’s linked premises over an alleged money laundering case, connected to another case registered against CES by the Economic Offenses Wing of Delhi Police. Notably, Mandir serves as the director of CES.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had filed two cases against CES in 2020 – one under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act and another for alleged financial irregularities, reported to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). After conducting raids at two children’s homes run by the Center, NCPCR had pointed out several irregularities, including financial ones. In response to a CES petition in 2021, the NCPCR mentioned various violations and inconsistencies, recommending action against the management of the two children’s homes associated with the temple. Among the reported violations, children claimed they were taken to protest sites, including Jantar Mantar.