Karnataka Police Book Seven, Probe Alleged Funding Links to U.S.-Based The Timothy Initiative
FIR filed under UAPA and BNS following Enforcement Directorate complaint alleging foreign funds were routed to Maoist activities
BENGALURU — Karnataka Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against seven individuals, including persons alleged to be associated with the U.S.-based Christian missionary organization The Timothy Initiative (TTI), in connection with an investigation into the alleged diversion of foreign funds for Maoist activities in India.
The case was registered by Kothanur Police in Bengaluru based on a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Authorities have invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police officials said.
The accused have been identified as Jonathan S. Rajan of Bengaluru, Supreme Joy of Mysuru, Mica Mark, Ajith Vargheese Mathai, Vargees Choco of Chhattisgarh, and Bablu Karmi of Assam, among others.
According to investigators, the case stems from searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in April. During those operations, officials allegedly uncovered financial transactions involving approximately Rs 95 crore in foreign funds.
Investigators claim that some of the funds were accessed in India using a debit card issued by a U.S.-based bank in the name of an individual identified as Santhosh Kumar. The ED also reported recovering 24 foreign debit cards from one of the accused, Mica Mark, during the searches.
Preliminary findings cited by investigators indicate that several transactions were linked to Maoist-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. During questioning of another accused, Ajith Vargheese Mathai, authorities reportedly obtained information regarding companies operating from Bengaluru that are now under scrutiny.
Police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) has been formed to investigate the allegations. The team is expected to coordinate with central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate.
Authorities are examining the source, movement, and use of the funds and are investigating whether any of the transactions had links to banned Maoist organizations.
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that some of the individuals named in the case had connections to The Timothy Initiative. The organization has not publicly responded to the allegations, and no findings of wrongdoing have been established in court.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses. (Source: IANS)
