ED complaint leads to UAPA case against those associated with U.S.-based Christian missionary

Representational image only. File Photo: X/@dir_ed

The Kothanur police on Thursday (June 11, 2026) registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) against several individuals, including members linked to a U.S.-based Christian missionary organisation, The Timothy Initiative (TTI), following a complaint filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).

The First Information Report (FIR) was registered based on a complaint submitted by Sunil Kumar Sinhmar, an officer of the Directorate of Enforcement, Ministry of Finance, New Delhi. Those named in the case include Jonathan S. Rajan, Micah Mark, Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi, Supreme Joy, The Timothy Initiative (USA), and others.

Search and seizure

According to the complaint, the Enforcement Directorate conducted search and seizure operations on April 18 and 19, 2026, at multiple locations under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. During the searches, investigators allegedly uncovered a network that used foreign-issued debit cards to channel and withdraw funds in India on behalf of TTI.

The ED alleged that foreign debit cards issued by banks in the United States were distributed and used across India to withdraw cash from ATMs, bypassing regulatory mechanisms. Investigators claim that nearly ₹92.55 crore (approximately $9.99 million) was utilised through such transactions between November 2025 and April 2026, while around ₹44 crore was withdrawn between January 2024 and March 2026 across Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Assam and other States.

LWE region

According to the complaint, several of the transactions occurred in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions, particularly in Chhattisgarh. Investigators suspect that the funds were routed through a network of operatives and distributed using foreign debit cards allegedly issued under fictitious identities.

The ED further alleged that Jonathan S. Rajan was overseeing TTI’s operations in India, while Micah Mark was involved in financial management and debit card distribution. Ajit Verghese Mathai allegedly coordinated financial transactions through various entities and front organisations, while Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi and Supreme Joy were accused of facilitating cash withdrawals and fund distribution on the ground.

During the searches, officials reportedly recovered multiple foreign debit cards and financial records. The complaint also alleges that digital records and data connected to the transactions were remotely deleted from servers controlled from the United States after the investigation commenced, amounting to destruction of evidence.

The Enforcement Directorate contended that the alleged movement of foreign funds into sensitive and LWE-affected areas without regulatory compliance constituted unlawful activity under the UAPA, 1967. The agency further alleged that the funds could have been used to support activities detrimental to national security and public order.