ED Searches Jaipur Premises Over Alleged Misuse of ₹2 Crore+ Foreign Funds
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Jaipur Zonal Office, conducted search operations on August 21, 2026, at two premises in Jaipur in connection with an alleged misuse of foreign donations exceeding ₹2 crore.
The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The investigation concerns allegations that foreign funds were received without the required FCRA registration and were allegedly used for purposes other than those declared.
According to the ED, the investigation relates to Pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, a Protestant missionary associated with Hope Ministry. The agency alleged that Pahadiya received foreign funds of around ₹2.20 crore, primarily from US-based donor Thomas Eugene Lynch, which were allegedly intended for proselytization and conversion-related activities among SC-Valmiki and ST-Bhill communities in Jaipur and tribal-dominated areas of southern Rajasthan.
The ED said its investigation found that Ravi Mohan Pahadiya and his wife, Gunjan Sharma, received approximately ₹2.34 crore in foreign funds. These remittances were allegedly shown under purposes such as business and management consultancy, public relations services, and inward remittances from non-resident Indians for family maintenance and savings.
The agency said a substantial portion of the funds came from Thomas E. Lynch, a US-based donor.
During the searches, the ED seized documents and digital devices that it described as incriminating material.
The agency further alleged that Pahadiya received foreign donations amounting to around ₹2.88 crore without the required FCRA permission by allegedly misdeclaring the purpose of the funds. According to the ED, the money was subsequently used for personal expenses, foreign travel and the purchase of property in his name.
The ED also said its investigation had, prima facie, indicated that Pahadiya was in regular contact with foreign nationals and allegedly organised meetings and religious gatherings aimed at proselytization among underprivileged and tribal communities in different states, allegedly on the instructions of foreign individuals.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
