Jaipur, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted searches at two premises in Jaipur as part of an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) into the alleged misuse of foreign funds received without Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration.
According to the ED, the probe concerns foreign donations exceeding Rs 2 crore that were allegedly received by Protestant missionary and Hope Ministry affiliate Pastor Ravi Mohan Pahadiya and used for purposes different from those declared.
The agency’s Jaipur Zonal Office initiated the investigation after receiving information indicating that Pahadiya had allegedly received around Rs 2.20 crore in foreign funds, primarily from US-based donor Thomas Eugene Lynch. The funds were allegedly intended for proselytisation 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 Pahadiya and his wife, Gunjan Sharma, had received around Rs 2.34 crore in foreign funds. The remittances were allegedly declared as payments for business and management consultancy, public relations services, and, in some cases, inward remittances from non-resident Indians towards family maintenance and savings.
A substantial portion of the funds was allegedly received from Lynch, the agency said.
Further investigation has allegedly revealed that Pahadiya received around Rs 2.88 crore as foreign donations without FCRA permission by allegedly misdeclaring the purpose of the remittances.
The ED said the funds were allegedly used for personal expenses, foreign travel and purchase of property in Pahadiya’s name.
During Saturday’s searches, the agency seized documents and digital devices that it described as incriminating.
The investigation has also allegedly found that Pahadiya was in regular contact with foreign nationals and was involved in organising meetings and religious gatherings for alleged proselytisation activities among underprivileged and tribal communities in several states, purportedly at their direction.
The ED said further investigation is underway.
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