1 week ago
ED Searches Jaipur Pastor Over Alleged Foreign Fund Misuse
The Enforcement Directorate searched places connected to a pastor in Jaipur.
The agency says the pastor received money from other countries.
It alleges that some of this money was used for religious conversion activities among Dalit and tribal communities.
The ED says the money was received without the required FCRA permission.
It also says the purpose of the money was allegedly described incorrectly.
Investigators claim some funds were used for personal expenses, foreign trips and property purchases.
The searches took place on Friday, and documents and electronic devices were taken.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation, and the article does not report a response from the pastor.
The Directorate of Enforcement searched two Jaipur premises linked to pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya.
The ED alleges he received foreign funds for proselytization among Dalit Valmiki and Tribal Bhil communities.
Investigators said Pahadiya and his wife received Rs 2.34 crore through allegedly misdeclared business and family-maintenance purposes.
The ED said Pahadiya received Rs 2.88 crore in donations without Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act permission.
Documents and digital devices were seized during searches conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act.
- Who
- The Directorate of Enforcement, pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, his wife Gunjan Sharma and US-based donor Thomas Eugene Lynch.
- What
- The ED searched premises linked to Pahadiya over alleged misuse and misdeclaration of foreign funds connected to proselytization activities.
- Where
- Two premises in Jaipur; the alleged activities also involved southern Rajasthan and other states.
- When
- Searches were conducted on Friday, and the ED issued its statement on Saturday.
- Why
- The searches were conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act in connection with alleged receipt and use of foreign donations without FCRA registration and for purposes other than those declared.
Key facts
- Agency
- Directorate of Enforcement, Jaipur zonal office
- Legal framework
- Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
- Funds cited by ED
- The agency referred to Rs 2.20 crore, Rs 2.34 crore and Rs 2.88 crore in different parts of its account.
- Main accused
- Pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, a Protestant missionary affiliated with Hope Ministry
- Other recipient
- Gunjan Sharma, Pahadiya’s wife
- Alleged funding source
- US-based donor Thomas Eugene Lynch was identified as a primary source of funds.
- Seized materials
- Incriminating documents and digital devices
Quotes
Enforcement Directorate
India’s financial-crime investigation agency conducting the searches
“Further, it is also prima facie revealed that he is in regular touch with foreign nationals and engaged in organising meetings/religious gathering for proselytization activities among the underprivileged/tribal people of various states on their instructions.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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