ASA seeks return of AUD $40000 from Khalsa Aid? Letter viral on social media says cash was by no means used for charity work in India

A letter, in search of the return of funds to the tune of AUD $40000 (INR 22.64 lakhs) from Khalsa Aid, has been doing the rounds of the web.

Dated November 20, 2022, the letter accused the pro-Khalistani ‘charity’ organisation of not having a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence to gather international funds. It bore the signature of 1 Albel Singh Kang, the corporate secretary of the Australian Sikh Association (ASA).

Addressed to the administration of ‘Khalsa Aid UK’, the letter mentioned, “Australian Sikh Association had donated AUD $40000 for flood relief in Punjab’s Mand Area to Khalsa Aid UK.”

Screengrab of the letter by ASA

It emphasised, “But it has been brought to the Australian Sikh Association’s attention that Khalsa Aid UK has never applied for FCRA to send funds to Punjab from the UK.”

While accusing the pro-Khalistani outfit of not sending cash for reduction work, the letter added, “Nor has Khalsa Aid UK sent any money from the UK to India. All the photos that we see of Sangar’s efforts in India are from funs collected locally in India.”

Albel Singh Kang sought the return of funds from Khalsa Aid UK, saying that he believed that the donation was not used for flood reduction work. “Please do not point to your audited charity statements on Charity Commission in UK, we know how understaffed these agencies are,” he highlighted.

While slamming the ‘charity’ outfit, the letter concluded, “Please also do not lobby community members to represent you on your behalf. Australian Sikh Association will collaborate directly with Sangat and Gundwara Sahib in Mand Area to provide belated flood relief.”

Khalsa AID had acquired AUD $40k from Glennwood Gurdwara Sahib

Opindia discovered a publish on the timeline of the verified Facebook web page of ‘Khalsa Aid International’ whereby it was seen thanking the ASA and the Glennwood Gurdwara Sahib for his or her charitable donation.

The publish dated October 26, 2019, learn, “Punjab Floods…Sydney Sangat from Glennwood Gurdwara Sahib donated generous amount of AUD $40000 towards Panjab flood relief. Our thanks to all Sangat and Management Committee of Glenwood Gurdwara Sahib / Australian Sikh Association. Thank you”

The publish was additionally accompanied by footage of Gurdwara officers handing over a big cheque to the ‘Khalsa Aid UK’ volunteers.

Opindia nevertheless couldn’t hint the supply of the letter, bearing the letterhead of ASA. As such, we now have written a letter to the Gurdwara officers in search of their feedback on the identical. The article will likely be up to date as soon as we obtain their reply.