The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated action against a man from Uttar Pradesh who has been operating a self-styled research and study centre dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move comes after a complaint was lodged by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) regarding the alleged misuse of the Prime Minister’s name. The FIR was officially filed on October 24, 2025, under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, following a preliminary inquiry that began in April this year.

The accused has been identified as Jasim Mohammad, who allegedly registered the “Centre for Narendra Modi Studies,” popularly referred to as ‘NaMo Kendra’, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, without prior permission from the central government or the PMO. According to the FIR, the centre was registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1860, on January 25, 2021.

What Is ‘NaMo Kendra’?

According to its website, the centre presents itself as “an independent global research hub where eminent leaders, intellectuals, thinkers, social reformers, and educators convene to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation.” The site lists its Aligarh address as Qila Enclave, Ramgarh-Panjupur, showing images of a plot with a boundary wall and gate. The centre claims its work focuses on nation-building, research publications, conferences, and policy briefs, often aligning with what traditional universities and higher education institutions undertake.

The website further states that the centre is apolitical, with a commitment to academic honesty and open dialogue. It identifies Jasim Mohammad as both managing trustee and chairman, who carries the titles of professor and doctor. His messages on the site assert that the centre produces research outputs in English, Hindi, and Urdu, including volumes such as:

• ‘Narendra Modi – International Relations’ (with subtitles like ‘Harbinger of Change’, ‘Heralding a New World Order’, and ‘A New Awakening’)
• ‘Narendra Modi: Social Revolution’ by Dr. Ashish Gupta
• ‘Namostudies – India After 2014: New Chapters in Culture, History and Identity’ by Tushita Bhandari

These publications, according to the centre, aim to educate and inform readers about India’s development trajectory under PM Modi’s leadership.

Kangana Ranaut’s Connection

The centre’s website prominently features BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut, who endorses one of its Hindi publications titled ‘Rashtra Pratham: Narendra Modi’. In a video, she claims to have compiled and edited the book, which contains speeches by the Prime Minister. Kangana stated in the video that the work should ideally be taught to every child in the country. While her involvement has drawn attention, she has not publicly reacted to the CBI FIR filed against the centre.

Events and Public Engagement

The NaMo Kendra has also reportedly conducted events in Delhi. One such event in September 2024, held to commemorate PM Modi’s birthday, was titled ‘How PM Narendra Modi Strengthened India’s Relations with the Global World’. Kangana Ranaut was among the speakers, alongside several other prominent figures including RSS-BJP veteran Jagdish Mukhi, former MLA Neelaman Khatri, and professors from Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Allegations and Legal Implications

The FIR primarily concerns the unauthorised use of the Prime Minister’s name and other official emblems in a manner that could be perceived as misleading or improper. While the centre has portrayed itself as an academic and research-oriented institution, authorities allege that its activities and public representations, including endorsements from celebrities, could mislead the public into believing it has official sanction or government affiliation.

The FIR under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act carries strict provisions against misuse of government symbols, names, and designations. This legal action highlights the government’s vigilance in protecting official symbols and preventing misrepresentation, especially when high-profile figures such as the Prime Minister are involved.

Background

The PMO complaint prompted the CBI preliminary inquiry in April 2025, after which the agency closely examined the centre’s activities, registrations, and public claims. The investigation has identified multiple facets of the operation, including the publication of books, organization of events, and solicitation of attention using high-profile endorsements.

The case now places Jasim Mohammad under scrutiny, with the potential for further legal consequences depending on the outcome of the investigation. While the primary focus remains on the unauthorised use of PM Modi’s name, the involvement of prominent figures like Kangana Ranaut has added a public dimension to the case.

In conclusion, the CBI’s action against NaMo Kendra underscores the strict enforcement of rules around official emblems and names, and sends a warning against misusing political figures’ identities for personal or organisational gain. As the investigation proceeds, the agency is expected to examine the centre’s funding, publications, events, and claims of research credibility, while also determining whether there was any intent to mislead the public or gain improper advantage.