Jaipur, Aug 22 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations on Saturday at two premises in Jaipur under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), in connection with the alleged misutilisation of foreign donations amounting to more than Rs 2 crore, received without Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration and allegedly used for purposes other than those declared.
The ED’s Jaipur Zonal Office initiated an investigation under the provisions of FEMA, 1999, based on information and intelligence indicating that Pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, a Protestant missionary affiliated with Hope Ministry, had allegedly received foreign funds amounting to around Rs 2.20 crore, primarily from a US-based donor, Thomas Eugene Lynch.
The funds were allegedly intended for proselytisation and conversion activities among SC-Valmiki and ST-Bhill communities in Jaipur and tribal-dominated areas of South Rajasthan.
The investigation revealed that Ravi Mohan Pahadiya and his wife Gunjan Sharma had received foreign funds totalling around Rs 2.34 crore, mainly by declaring the purpose of the remittances as business and management consultancy and public relations services, as well as inward remittances from non-resident Indians towards family maintenance and savings.
A substantial portion of these funds was allegedly received from Thomas E. Lynch, a US-based donor.
During the search operations, various incriminating documents and digital devices were seized.
Further investigation has revealed that Ravi Mohan Pahadiya allegedly received foreign funds amounting to around Rs 2.88 crore as donations without FCRA permission, by allegedly misdeclaring the purpose of the remittances.
The funds were allegedly utilised for personal expenses, foreign travel and purchase of property in his name.
It has also prima facie emerged that Ravi Mohan Pahadiya was in regular contact with foreign nationals and allegedly engaged in organising meetings and religious gatherings for proselytisation activities among underprivileged and tribal communities in various states, purportedly on their instructions.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
–IANS
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