Bhanu Tatak, an Indigenous environmental rights activist and lawyer from Arunachal Pradesh, is facing legal action by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Background & Recent Case
The CBI has registered a case against Tatak for allegedly receiving foreign funds amounting to ₹20.94 lakh without proper regulatory approval. Authorities allege that these funds were utilized to sustain ongoing protests against major infrastructure projects in the region.
Key Roles & Activism
Tatak is a prominent figure in local environmental resistance and legal advocacy:
- Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum (SIFF): Serves as legal adviser, opposing the proposed 12,500-megawatt Siang Multipurpose Project on the Siang River.
- Dibang Resistance: Coordinates local civil society efforts against ecological disruption caused by major dam projects.
Public Reaction
The legal case against Tatak has stirred significant response across the state:
- Local youth and farmers' groups in Arunachal Pradesh have condemned the CBI's action, framing it as an attempt to stifle grassroots environmental advocacy.
- Support networks emphasize her work as vital for Indigenous rights and ecological preservation, while investigators continue looking into the financial trail.
