Why Salman Khurshid is at forefront of disabled: Explained

The Social Justice Ministry on Wednesday recommended a CBI inquiry into allegations of embezzlement against an NGO run by the former Union Minister Salman Khurshid.

What is the case?

• The NGO of Salman Khurshid allegedly fudged documents to swindle funds allocated for the welfare of disabled people.
• The disclosure was made by a private news channel in 2012.
• It was reported that Khurshid's NGO, Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, forged signatures and stamps of senior officials of several districts in UP.
• Khurshid's act deprived the physically challenged of the grants.
• The investigation done by the news channel termed as 'Operation Dhritrashtra'.
• The Economic offence wing of Uttar Pradesh is investigating the issue.

The Zakir Hussain Trust

• This trust is registered as an NGO at residence of Khurshid in Gulmohar Avenue, Jamia Nagar, Delhi.
• Khurshid's wife Louise is its chief functionary officer.
• The trust is operating in many States and receiving grants from several ministries of the Government of India.

What is Khurshid's stand in the case?

• Louise Khurshid has so far denied the allegations.
• She said the allegations are false, malicious and baseless.

Salman Khurshid, a prominent Muslim face in Congress

• Salman Khurshid is the grandson of the third President of India Dr Zakir Hussain.
• Khurshid was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Farrukhabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
• He is the most prominent Muslim face of the Congress.
• Khurshid held the Foreign Affairs portfolio in Narasimha Rao Government between 1993-96.