The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at two premises in Jaipur linked to pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya over alleged misuse of foreign funds, the agency said on Saturday.
The searches were carried out under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, as part of an investigation into foreign donations allegedly received without registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and allegedly used for purposes different from those declared.
According to the ED, Pahadiya is a Protestant missionary associated with Hope Ministry. The agency said he allegedly received around ₹2.20 crore in foreign funds, mainly from US-based donor Thomas Eugene Lynch.
The ED alleged that the money was linked to proselytisation and conversion activities among SC-Valmiki and ST-Bhil communities in Jaipur and tribal-dominated areas of southern Rajasthan.
ED Alleges Funds Were Misdeclared
The investigation also involved Pahadiya’s wife, Gunjan Sharma. The agency said the couple received around ₹2.34 crore in foreign funds, with the remittances allegedly declared as payments for business and management consultancy, public relations services, and family maintenance and savings.
“Investigation revealed that Ravi Mohan Pahadiya and his wife Gunjan Sharma received total foreign funds to the tune of Rs. 2.34 Crore (approx.),” the ED said.
The agency alleged that a large portion of the money came from Thomas E. Lynch.
During the searches, ED officials said they seized documents and digital devices that allegedly contained information about the financial transactions.
₹2.88 Crore in Donations Under Investigation
The ED further alleged that Pahadiya received around ₹2.88 crore as foreign donations without the required FCRA permission.
According to the agency, the funds were allegedly received by misdeclaring their purpose and were subsequently used for personal expenses, foreign travel and purchasing property in Pahadiya’s name.
The ED also claimed that its investigation had prima facie found Pahadiya was regularly in contact with foreign nationals and was involved in organising meetings and religious gatherings for proselytisation activities among underprivileged and tribal communities in different states.
“Further, it is also prima facie revealed that he is in regular touch with foreign nationals and engaged in organising meetings/religious gatherings for proselytisation activities among the underprivileged/tribal people of various states on their instructions,” the agency said.
Investigation Continues
The ED has not announced any arrests in connection with the searches. Further investigation into the alleged financial transactions and use of foreign funds is underway.
The allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate are part of an ongoing investigation and have not been established in court.
The case comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign contributions received by organisations and individuals in India under the FCRA and related financial regulations.
