Archive · 17 Sep 2026
CBI Books US Christian Group Over Alleged ₹92.55-Crore FCRA Violations
Indian investigators have accused a US-based Christian organization called The Timothy Initiative of using foreign money without following India’s funding rules.
They say about ₹92.55 crore was used for activities such as training and preaching.
The CBI says ₹44 crore was withdrawn in cash from ATMs in several parts of India.
The money was allegedly accessed through more than 1,000 debit cards issued by a US bank.
Investigators say some cards used the common name “Santosh Kumar” or regional labels to hide who actually used them.
The Enforcement Directorate says it found 24 cards and seized ₹37 lakh in cash.
Officials also allege that TTI’s online and computer records were deleted remotely after searches.
TTI and the other accused had not publicly responded to the allegations in the reports, which have not been proven in court.
The CBI registered an FIR against The Timothy Initiative and six individuals over alleged FCRA violations.
Investigators allege that about ₹92.55 crore in foreign funds was used for missionary activities without required registration or clearances.
The FIR says ₹44 crore was withdrawn across India using foreign debit cards issued by US-based Truist Bank.
The ED allegedly seized 24 debit cards and ₹37 lakh in cash, while more than 1,000 cards were reportedly distributed.
Investigators allege the cards used generic or regional names and that TTI-related digital data was remotely deleted after searches.
- Who
- The Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate, The Timothy Initiative, and six named individuals: Jonathan S. Rajan, Micah Mark, Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Supreme Joy and Bablu Kurmi.
- What
- The CBI alleges that foreign funds were received, withdrawn and used for missionary activities without compliance with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
- When
- The FIR was registered on August 27. The articles describe alleged fund use from November 2025 to April 2026 and card withdrawals from January 2024 to March 2026.
- Where
- The alleged withdrawals occurred across India, including Karnataka, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and other states and Union Territories. TTI is listed at a post office box in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Why
- Investigators allege that TTI operated without the Indian FCRA registration and used foreign funds for activities including training and preaching.
- Alleged amount
- About ₹92.55 crore, according to the CBI.
- Alleged ATM withdrawals
- The Home Ministry complaint reportedly cited ₹44 crore withdrawn using foreign debit cards.
- Card issuer
- Truist Bank in the United States.
- Cards distributed
- More than 1,000 foreign debit cards were allegedly distributed in India over several years.
- Seizures
- The ED allegedly seized 24 debit cards and ₹37 lakh in cash.
- Named accused
- The Timothy Initiative, Jonathan S. Rajan, Micah Mark, Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Supreme Joy and Bablu Kurmi.
- Alleged offences
- FCRA violations, criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Information Technology Act.
