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RSS-linked groups received $24.4 million through US donor funds?

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Partly true

Checked 12 Oct 2026 · Updated 15 Oct 2026

The Reel accurately reports Bellingcat's findings that two US charities with apparent ties to the RSS received $24.4 million from donor-advised funds, and that Sewa USA denied being an affiliate. However, the provided excerpts do not show Bellingcat stating that the RSS is unregistered in India, that it found no evidence of direct funding, or that Ekal USA and Sewa Bharati did not respond to requests for comment.

Main source: Bellingcat

Some of it's right, some isn't.

The post we checked

Who funds the network, and where does the money go? Bellingcat’s investigation examines funding flows and apparent organisational links. According to…

What we checked

✓

RSS-linked groups received $24.4 million through US donor fundsBellingcat

✓

Bellingcat traced grants to two US non-profits with apparent RSS connectionsBellingcat

What each side says

BellingcatBellingcat stated that US non-profits with RSS associations received millions through anonymous donor-advised funds. Bellingcat

Sewa USASewa USA stated that it does not operate as a branch or affiliate of the RSS or participate in political activity. Bellingcat

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