Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have registered a criminal case against US based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI) and six individuals following a complaint filed by officials of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). The case involves allegations of financial irregularities, funding of unlawful activities, and the use of large amounts of money for religious conversion efforts.
The complaint was filed by Sunil Kumar Sinhmar, an ED official from New Delhi, at Kothanur police station. Police have registered the case under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the complaint, investigators have identified financial transactions involving an estimated amount of Rs 92.5 crore to Rs 95 crore that were allegedly routed and utilised between November 2025 and April 2026. The investigation also revealed another set of transactions involving withdrawals of around Rs 44 crore between January 2024 and March 2026.
Officials alleged that the funds were linked to TTI’s multi level “church planting” and religious outreach programmes, which investigators are examining for their activities among vulnerable communities, particularly in tribal and conflict affected regions.
A senior police officer said that preliminary investigation indicated that large cash withdrawals were allegedly transferred towards areas affected by left wing extremism, including Bastar and Dhamtari districts of Chhattisgarh. Authorities are examining whether these funds were diverted for activities connected with Naxal operations, unlawful activities, or religious conversion programmes.
The accused named in the police complaint include Jonathan S Rajan of Glorio Apartments on Doddagubbi Road, Ajit Verghese Mathai from Kothanur, Micah Mark of Yadava Layout, Supreme Joy from Mysuru, Varghese Chacko from Chhattisgarh, and Bablu Kurmi from Assam.
Police officials said that one of the accused, Micah Mark, was intercepted at Bengaluru airport with 24 foreign debit cards, which are also being examined as part of the financial investigation. Authorities are looking into the source of funds, the movement of money, and the possible involvement of individuals connected with the alleged network.
The FIR also mentions allegations regarding the destruction of electronic evidence. Investigators have claimed that a backend database account was allegedly deleted by one of the accused in an attempt to conceal financial records and prevent tracking of transactions.
The case has raised concerns among investigating agencies regarding the use of foreign funds and financial networks for activities that may have national security implications. Officials have stated that the allegations are being investigated and that further action will depend on evidence collected during the probe.
Authorities are continuing their examination of financial records, digital evidence and links between the accused individuals and organisations. The police have not yet announced final conclusions, and all allegations will be subject to investigation and legal proceedings.