- By Imran Zafar
- Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at the premises of alleged beneficiaries of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), founded by US billionaire George Soros, in Bengaluru. The case revolves around allegations that OSF sourced foreign direct investment (FDI) in a manner that contravened Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations, with certain beneficiaries allegedly misusing these funds.
The raids targeted individuals and entities linked to George Soros-funded OSF, including international human rights organisations, news agency PTI reported citing official sources.
The ruling BJP has accused George Soros, a Hungarian-American political activist, of working against India’s interests. In February 2023, George Soros made critical remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commenting on the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, suggesting that the episode could lead to a "democratic revival" in India. His statements drew sharp criticism from the BJP.
OSF's Role And Operations In India
OSF describes itself as one of the world’s largest private funders of human rights, justice and accountable governance initiatives. It has been active in India since 1999. The organisation has provided scholarships and fellowships and launched an India-specific grant-making program in 2014.
OSF stated that its India-specific program supports initiatives in access to medicine, justice system reforms and rights for people with psychosocial disabilities. In 2021, OSF’s total expenditure in India stood at USD 4,06,000, as per official data.
(With agency inputs)