New Delhi, April 16 -- Religious group Baba Bageshwar Dham, led by self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, who intends to establish a "Hindu Rashtra," can now collect foreign donations after the Union Home Ministry granted it registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

Often backed by politicians, the Madhya Pradesh-based, 29-year-old Shastri is known for making bold, inflammatory comments on religious topics. His website even has a separate section to receive donations from India.

FCRA registration

If an NGO wants to collect foreign donations, registration under the FCRA is compulsory. They can receive the contributions for social, cultural, economic and religious programmes. Organisations or association...