The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into a Telangana-based charity group has revealed that approximately Rs 300 crore in foreign funds, raised partly from domestic donations, meant for providing free education and meals to underprivileged children, were allegedly diverted for unauthorized purposes. Raids conducted at 11 locations associated with the Operation Mobilisation (OM) group and its key office-bearers in and around Hyderabad on June 21-22 uncovered these findings, according to a statement from the federal agency.

The case, originating from a CID FIR, alleges that the charity group collected substantial funds from foreign donors across multiple countries under the guise of supporting Dalit and underprivileged children studying in over 100 Good Shepherd schools. These funds were purportedly diverted for asset creation and other unauthorized uses, despite claims of providing free education and meals.

The ED further alleged discrepancies in recording sponsorships, tuition fees collected from students, and utilization of government funds under the Right to Education Act. It also highlighted under-reporting of incomes in the group’s accounting records. The probe identified suspicious transactions suggesting fund diversion across various immovable properties owned by key officials of the OM group in Telangana, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

According to the ED, FCRA registrations for most group entities were not renewed, prompting diversion of foreign funds received by the registered ‘OM Books Foundation’ to other entities within the group as loans that remain unpaid. Additionally, key office-bearers were found employed as consultants with shell entities in Goa, receiving salaries. The raids resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents, digital devices, records of clandestine transactions, properties, and assets held under benami companies.

Source: PTI

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