Bengaluru: A major controversy has erupted over allegations of foreign funding being routed into activities linked to Naxal operations in India. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that large amounts of foreign money were illegally brought into the country and diverted for suspicious activities, prompting the registration of an FIR against a US-based Christian missionary organisation, The Timothy Initiative (TTI), and six individuals from different parts of the country, including Karnataka.
Based on a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate, Bengaluru’s Kothanur Police have registered a case under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused have been booked on charges including criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and the creation of false documents.
The FIR names Jonathan S. Rajan of Bengaluru, Supreme Joy of Mysuru, Mika Mark, Ajith Varghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko of Chhattisgarh, Bablu Kurmi of Assam, and the US-based organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI).
The case stems from an extensive Enforcement Directorate investigation that began after raids conducted in April this year. During the searches, investigators allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that more than ₹95 crore in foreign funds had been routed into India through unauthorised channels and used in violation of existing regulations.
According to officials, one of the most startling discoveries was the alleged use of over 1,000 foreign debit cards linked to a bank account in the United States. Investigators claim that these cards were issued in the name of a fictitious individual identified as Santosh Kumar and were distributed across various parts of India to facilitate cash withdrawals.
Authorities suspect that the debit card network was used to move and distribute foreign funds without following legal banking and regulatory procedures. Investigators believe the operation may have been designed to bypass official financial monitoring systems and conceal the true source and destination of the funds.
The ED has also alleged that some of the money may have been used in regions affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly known as Naxalism. During the investigation, officials reportedly seized 24 foreign debit cards from one of the accused, Mika Mark.
According to preliminary findings, several suspicious cash transactions were traced to Naxal-affected areas, particularly in Chhattisgarh, one of the states that has witnessed prolonged insurgent activity. Investigators are examining whether the withdrawn funds were used to support activities linked to extremist networks operating in these regions.
The investigation took a further turn after the questioning of another accused, Ajith Varghese Mathai. During the interrogation, authorities reportedly came across details of several shell companies operating out of Bengaluru. These companies are suspected of being used to channel and disguise the movement of foreign funds.
Enforcement agencies are now probing the financial transactions, ownership structures and operational activities of these entities to determine whether they played a role in the alleged illegal fund transfers. The ED has alleged that portions of the money were utilised for religious outreach programmes and ideological training activities. Investigators are examining claims that some of the funds may have been diverted towards programmes that allegedly promoted radical left-wing ideologies.
Officials have stressed that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage and that all allegations will be examined through documentary evidence, financial records and digital forensic analysis. Given the seriousness of the accusations, the case has attracted attention from multiple central agencies. A police team led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation. The findings of the probe will be shared with the Enforcement Directorate and other concerned agencies for further action.
The registration of the FIR marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged foreign funding networks operating in India. Authorities are expected to examine bank records, digital transactions, communication data and the role of various organisations connected to the accused.
The case is likely to have far-reaching implications, as it involves allegations of foreign financial flows, shell companies, religious organisations and possible links to extremist activities. Investigators are continuing their probe to establish the extent of the network and identify any additional individuals or entities that may have been involved in the alleged operation.
