The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on a pastor in Jaipur on Friday, targeting alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). This action stems from accusations of misusing foreign funds from a US-based donor intended for proselytisation and conversion efforts among the SC-Valmiki and ST-Bhill communities in Jaipur and tribal areas of South Rajasthan. The federal agency announced these developments on Saturday.
The financial crimes probe agency said in a statement that it had intelligence about the activities of pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, a Protestant missionary affiliated with Hope Ministry, who was allegedly illegally receiving foreign funds to the tune of ₹ 2.20 crore (approximately), primarily from a US-based donor, Thomas Eugene Lynch.
“Investigation revealed that Ravi Mohan Pahadiya and his wife Gunjan Sharma received total foreign funds to the tune of Rs. The government, in March this year, introduced a new FCRA Bill that vests assets tied to foreign funds with the designated authority. Any individual or organisation receiving foreign funds has to be registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Licences or prior permission to receive and use foreign funds are granted by the foreigners division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has been sent to a joint parliamentary committee for detailed scrutiny. Opposition parties, sections of civil society and religious organisations have argued that the amendments, if cleared, would give the government broad control.
2.34 Crore (approximately) mainly by showing purpose of business and management consultancy and public relations services and inward remittance from Indian non-residents towards family maintenance and savings, out of which most of the funds was received from Thomas E Lynch, a USA based donor,” the ED said.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has said that some provisions in the new law and rules “could affect charitable institutions that have served poor and vulnerable communities for decades”.
