By Mohamed Atherulla Shariff
A major controversy has erupted after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that a US-based evangelical organisation, The Timothy Initiative (TTI), and several individuals were involved in routing large amounts of foreign funds into India through a network of foreign debit cards. Based on the ED’s complaint, Bengaluru’s Kothanur Police registered an FIR on June 11 under provisions of the BNS and UAPA.
According to the FIR, the accused include Jonathan S. Rajan, Micah Mark, Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi and Supreme Joy. The ED alleges that the group used foreign bank-issued debit cards to withdraw money from ATMs across India and utilise the funds without complying with provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
What the ED Claims
The central allegation is that approximately ₹92.55 crore to ₹95 crore was brought into India between November 2025 and April 2026 through foreign-issued debit cards linked to a US bank. Investigators claim that the money was withdrawn in cash from ATMs across multiple states and then used for activities associated with TTI in India.
The probe gained momentum after Micah Mark was intercepted at Bengaluru airport in April 2026. Authorities claim he was carrying 24 foreign debit cards. Subsequent searches reportedly led to the seizure of 25 foreign debit cards, ₹40 lakh in cash and several electronic devices. Investigators also allege that more than 1,000 such cards had been distributed across different regions of India under coded identifiers such as “NE-1”, “NE-2” and “Southern Region-1”.
The ED further claims that unusual withdrawals were detected in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts of Chhattisgarh, including Bastar and Dhamtari, where approximately ₹6.3–6.5 crore is alleged to have been withdrawn over several years. Investigators argue that the pattern of withdrawals suggests the existence of an organised network operating outside India’s regulated financial channels.
The Conversion and Naxalism Angle
Several media reports, citing the ED complaint, state that investigators suspect a portion of the funds was used for missionary and conversion-related activities. Some reports have gone further, alleging that the funds may have indirectly aided activities in Maoist-affected regions. However, it is important to note that these allegations remain unproven and are currently under investigation. No court has yet established a link between TTI and any terrorist or Maoist organisation.
Who is The Timothy Initiative?
TTI is an evangelical Christian organisation headquartered in North Carolina, United States. It describes its mission as planting churches and training local Christian leaders across the world. The organisation has operated in several countries and has been involved in religious outreach and church-planting programmes.
The ED alleges that TTI’s India operations were managed through an informal network rather than through FCRA-compliant channels. According to investigators, Ajit Verghese Mathai acted as the financial head of Indian operations, while Jonathan Rajan supervised activities in the country. These claims have yet to be tested in court.
What Has Been Verified?
A fact-check of the available information shows that the registration of the FIR, the names of the accused, the alleged ₹92.55 crore fund flow, the seizure of debit cards, and the ED’s claims regarding ATM withdrawals are consistently reported by multiple independent news organisations and originate from official complaint documents.
However, the more serious allegations – namely funding of Maoist activities, unlawful religious conversions, and threats to national security – remain allegations made by the investigating agency. As of now, no judicial finding has confirmed these accusations.
The Larger Significance
The case is likely to reignite debates surrounding foreign funding, missionary activity, FCRA compliance, and the use of anti-terror legislation in India. Supporters of the investigation argue that any attempt to bypass India’s financial regulations must be thoroughly examined. Critics, meanwhile, caution that allegations involving religious organisations should be carefully scrutinised and supported by evidence before conclusions are drawn.
For now, the FIR marks the beginning, not the end, of the legal process. The ED’s allegations are serious, but the accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until the claims are examined through investigation and judicial scrutiny.
