CBI books Arunachal Pradesh activist Bhanu Tatak over alleged FCRA violations The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against Arunachal Pradesh lawyer and environmental activist Bhanu Tatak for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated legal proceedings against Arunachal Pradesh-based lawyer and environmental activist Bhanu Tatak in connection with alleged infractions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). According to the formal First Information Report, the activist is accused of accepting monetary transfers from overseas organizations and individuals directly into her personal savings account without securing the mandatory registration or prior governmental approval mandated by the statute. Foreign Funding and Protest Allegations Investigators claim that the monetary contributions originated from several international bodies, including the Philippines-based Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy, Indigenous Peoples Rights International, Ireland-headquartered Front Line, and the United Kingdom-based Human Rights Resource Centre. The preliminary findings compiled by the agency indicate that these financial resources were deployed to organize and sustain demonstrations opposing major hydroelectric power initiatives across Arunachal Pradesh. Legal Provisions and Tax Compliance The FIR specifically names Tatak alongside unidentified individuals, citing sections 11(1), 17, 19, and 35 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010. Furthermore, the agency's initial inquiry suggests that the activist failed to submit her income tax returns spanning the financial years 2017-18 through 2025-26, thereby omitting any declaration regarding the receipt of funds from these external entities. Opposition to Hydropower Projects The accused activist serves as the legal adviser for the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum and acts as the coordinator for the civil society group Dibang Resistance. Both of these collectives have actively campaigned against multiple proposed hydroelectric undertakings within the region. Specifically, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum has challenged the construction of the 12,500-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project situated along the Siang River. Meanwhile, Dibang Resistance has organized opposition against the 2,880-megawatt Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project. These infrastructure initiatives have faced sustained resistance from local indigenous communities and environmental defenders concerned with potential ecological, cultural, and safety repercussions. What this means for you This legal action carries significant implications for environmental activists and organizations handling foreign financial contributions. • Across India: Investigative agencies are likely to increase scrutiny on activists and groups receiving international funding without proper statutory clearance. • In Arunachal Pradesh: Local organizations protesting major hydroelectric developments may face heightened oversight regarding their financial networks and operational funding. • Financial Transparency: Social workers and campaigners must ensure strict adherence to banking regulations concerning overseas monetary transfers. • Legal Compliance: Individuals who fail to file mandatory income tax returns could face broader probes into their financial transactions. Why this happened The case was registered following allegations that the activist accepted international funds directly into a personal bank account without statutory clearance. • Direct Cause: Bhanu Tatak allegedly received Rs 17.6 lakh from foreign entities directly into her personal savings account without obtaining mandatory prior permission under the FCRA. • Fund Utilization: Preliminary inquiries by the investigative agency claimed that the money was used to organize and sustain protests against major hydropower projects in the state. • Tax Non-Compliance: According to agency findings, the accused failed to file income tax returns between the financial years 2017-18 and 2025-26, thereby omitting reports of foreign receipts. • Activism Context: Her leadership roles in organizations opposing large-scale dam construction placed her activities under intense scrutiny by federal investigators. Questions & Answers 1. Which agency registered a case against Bhanu Tatak? The Central Bureau of Investigation registered the case against her for alleged FCRA violations. 2. What is the primary allegation against Bhanu Tatak? She is accused of receiving Rs 17.6 lakh from foreign entities directly into her personal savings account without required FCRA registration. 3. Which international organizations are named in the FIR? Entities from the Philippines, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are alleged to have sent the funds. 4. What local organizations is Bhanu Tatak associated with? She serves as the legal adviser to the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum and coordinator for Dibang Resistance. 5. What were the funds allegedly used for? The CBI's preliminary inquiry alleges the funds were used to organize and sustain protests against hydropower projects. 6. Which specific projects are being opposed by these groups? The groups have opposed the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project. https://trendkia.com/en/arunachal-pradesh/arunachal-pradesh-ki-paryavarana-ektivista-bhanu-tatak-para-fcra-ullnghana-ke-aropa-men-cbi-ne-darja-kiya-kesa-32536 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.