From Overseas Donations to Maoist Links? Timothy Initiative Faces Scrutiny in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: In a significant development with potential national security implications, an FIR has been registered in Bengaluru against a US-based Christian missionary organisation and six individuals over allegations of illegal foreign funding, financial irregularities and suspected links to activities in Naxal-affected regions of the country.
The case has been registered at Kothanur Police Station following a complaint filed by officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The accused have been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on charges including criminal conspiracy, cheating and creation of forged documents.
Those named in the FIR include Bengaluru-based Jonathan S. Rajan, Mysuru residents Supreme Joy, Mika Mark and Ajith Varghese Mathai, Chhattisgarh resident Varghese Chacko, Assam resident Bablu Kurmi, along with the US-based missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI).
According to investigating agencies, the case stems from evidence gathered during ED raids conducted in April this year. During the searches, officials allegedly uncovered a large-scale network involving the use of foreign funds routed into India through suspicious channels.
Investigators claim that more than ₹95 crore in foreign-origin funds were utilised through unauthorised mechanisms, raising serious concerns about the source, purpose and final beneficiaries of the money.
One of the most startling findings during the investigation was the alleged use of over 1,000 foreign debit cards linked to accounts maintained in the United States. The cards were reportedly issued through Truist Bank in the US under the name of a person identified as “Santosh Kumar,” which investigators suspect to be a fictitious identity created to facilitate financial transactions.
According to the complaint, these cards were distributed across different parts of India and used to withdraw cash from ATMs without following the legal procedures mandated under Indian financial regulations. Authorities believe this mechanism enabled the movement of substantial sums of foreign money into the country while bypassing regulatory scrutiny.
The investigation gained further momentum after officials recovered 24 foreign debit cards from one of the accused, Mika Mark. Preliminary analysis of transaction records allegedly revealed suspicious cash withdrawals in several locations, including regions affected byMaoism in Chhattisgarh.
Investigating agencies are now examining whether these transactions were connected to any unlawful activities or networks operating in sensitive areas. Officials have not yet disclosed the complete details of the financial trail, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.
Another crucial lead reportedly emerged during the questioning of accused Ajith Varghese Mathai. According to investigators, his statements led to the discovery of financial transactions involving multiple shell companies allegedly operating from Bengaluru.
These entities are suspected to have played a role in receiving, routing and distributing foreign funds within India. Authorities are now scrutinising banking records, company registrations and financial documents to establish the exact nature of these transactions and identify other possible beneficiaries.
The ED complaint further alleges that a portion of the funds may have been utilised for religious propagation activities and programmes conducted in remote and vulnerable regions. Investigators are also examining claims that some of the money was used to facilitate ideological training and activities linked to red terrorism.
However, officials have clarified that these allegations are still under investigation and that conclusive findings will emerge only after a detailed examination of financial records and digital evidence.
Sources indicated that several transactions under scrutiny were traced to locations falling within the jurisdiction of Kothanur in Bengaluru, prompting the registration of the FIR by local police. The case is now being investigated by a special police team under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), which will coordinate with central agencies and submit its findings to the ED.
The development comes at a time when security agencies across the country are intensifying their efforts to monitor illegal foreign funding channels and crack down on financial networks suspected of supporting unlawful activities.
Officials believe the investigation could uncover a wider network operating across multiple states. Digital devices, bank records, debit cards and transaction histories seized during the raids are currently being examined by forensic experts.
While the accused have not publicly responded to the allegations, the case is expected to attract significant attention due to the involvement of an international organisation, alleged foreign funding violations and possible links to activities in Naxal-affected regions.
Police officials have stated that the investigation remains at a preliminary stage and that further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the course of the probe. More arrests and searches are not being ruled out as authorities continue to follow the financial trail.
