CBI vs Sonam Wangchuk and Himalayan Institute of Alternatives — FCRA violation inquiry

News25 Sep 2025

Government revokes FCRA licence of Wangchuk's organisation

The Union government has cancelled the FCRA registration of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), which is currently under CBI investigation for alleged violations of the Act.

Explanation in simple terms

What:: The government cancelled the registration that allows an organization to receive money from foreign countries.
Who:: Sonam Wangchuk is a person named in the case, the Central Bureau of Investigation is the agency investigating, and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives is the organization that lost its registration.
When:: Reported on 25 Sep 2025.
Where:: Ladakh.
Why:: The government took this action because the organization is under investigation for allegedly violating the law regarding foreign funding.
What it means:: The organization can no longer receive funds from outside of India while it faces this investigation.

The Hindu

News25 Sep 2025

CBI probes Sonam Wangchuk and his institute for alleged FCRA violation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting a preliminary enquiry (PE) to probe alleged violation of foreign funding law by Ladakh-based...

Explanation in simple terms

What:: The government investigative agency is looking into potential breaches of laws governing foreign funding.
Who:: The Central Bureau of Investigation is the investigative agency, while Sonam Wangchuk and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives are the subjects of the probe.
When:: Reported on 25 Sep 2025.
Where:: Ladakh.
Why:: They are suspected of violating laws that regulate how organizations receive money from sources outside the country.
What it means:: The agency is conducting a preliminary enquiry to decide if there is enough evidence to start a formal investigation.

Hindustan Times

News25 Sep 2025

Centre cancels FCRA license of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives

Following the launch of a CBI inquiry into alleged FCRA violations, the Union government has revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license held by Sonam Wangchuk's institution, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh.

Explanation in simple terms

What:: The central government canceled the license that allowed an institution to receive funds from foreign sources.
Who:: The Central Bureau of Investigation is the agency conducting an inquiry. Sonam Wangchuk is the person whose institution is involved. The Himalayan Institute of Alternatives is the institution that lost its license.
When:: Reported on 25 Sep 2025.
Where:: Ladakh.
Why:: The government acted following an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into alleged violations of foreign contribution laws.
What it means:: The institution can no longer legally receive money from foreign donors while the inquiry into these alleged violations proceeds.

The New Indian Express

CBI vs Sonam Wangchuk and Himalayan Institute of Alternatives — FCRA violation inquiry

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Government revokes FCRA licence of Wangchuk's organisation

CBI probes Sonam Wangchuk and his institute for alleged FCRA violation

Centre cancels FCRA license of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives