CBI lodges a PE to probe foreign funding of Tablighi Jamaat

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged a preliminary enquiry (PE) to probe alleged dubious foreign funding of the Tablighi Jamaat, said people with direct knowledge of the matter.

The agency had recently sought documents and details of the investigation being carried out by the Delhi Police against the religious organization. The CBI will investigate whether the Jamaat violated any provisions of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) while receiving financial aids from foreign entities.

As per CBI manual, lodging of PE is the first step to validate the accusations following which an FIR may be registered. The agency is likely to summon officials of the Jamaat including its chief, Maulana Saad Kandhalvi.


Earlier this week, the crime branch of the Delhi Police filed chargesheet against over 900 foreign Jamaatis from 35 countries. They have been charged under the Foreigners Act, Epidemic Act, Disaster Management Act and violating different sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Following a case registered by the Delhi Police, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month had also registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against the Tablighi Jamaat.

The ED has already recorded statements of close aides of Tablighi Jamaat Markaz chief Maulana Saad Kandhalvi in connection with its probe.

On March 31, the Delhi Police crime branch had lodged an FIR against seven people, including the cleric, on a complaint of the station house officer of Nizamuddin police station. The FIR had stated that a congregation of TablighiJamaat followers was held in alleged violation of the orders against large gatherings to contain the spread of Covid-19.