ED Conducts Searches In Jaipur Over Alleged Misutilisation Of Foreign Donations
ED probes alleged misuse of foreign donations in Jaipur.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted searches at two premises in Jaipur in connection with a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation into the alleged misuse of foreign donations worth more than Rs 2 crore. The agency is examining allegations that the funds were received without the required Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration and were used for purposes different from those declared.
According to the ED, its Jaipur Zonal Office launched the investigation after receiving information about foreign funds allegedly received by Pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, a Protestant missionary associated with Hope Ministry. The agency has alleged that Pahadiya received foreign remittances primarily from US-based donor Thomas Eugene Lynch. The funds were allegedly received through descriptions including business and management consultancy, public relations services, and family maintenance and savings.
The investigation has also examined funds received by Pahadiya and his wife, Gunjan Sharma. The ED said they had received around Rs 2.34 crore in foreign funds, while further investigation indicated that Pahadiya allegedly received approximately Rs 2.88 crore as donations without FCRA permission. The agency suspects that the purpose of some remittances was allegedly misdeclared and that the funds were subsequently used for purposes other than those mentioned in the transaction records.
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The ED has alleged that a portion of the foreign funds was used for personal expenses, foreign travel and the purchase of property in Pahadiya's name. The agency is also examining allegations that the funds were connected with proselytisation activities involving SC-Valmiki and ST-Bhill communities in Jaipur and tribal-dominated areas of southern Rajasthan. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established by a court.
According to the agency, Pahadiya was allegedly in regular contact with foreign nationals and had organised meetings and religious gatherings involving underprivileged and tribal communities in several states. The ED has alleged that these activities were carried out purportedly on the instructions of foreign contacts. During Saturday's searches, investigators seized documents and digital devices that the agency described as incriminating material.
The ED's searches are part of its ongoing probe under FEMA into the receipt and alleged utilisation of foreign funds. The agency is continuing to examine financial transactions, the source and stated purpose of the remittances, and the alleged use of the money. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
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