Karnataka police book seven in alleged foreign funding-maoist link case

Karnataka Police registered an FIR against seven individuals, including persons allegedly linked to US-based missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative, over allegations of routing foreign funds for Maoist activities. The case, based on an ED complaint, is being investigated under UAPA

Bengaluru: Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against seven individuals, including representatives allegedly linked to the US‑based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI), over allegations of channelling foreign funds for Maoist activities in India, police said on Saturday.

The FIR has been registered by the Kothanur Police in Bengaluru based on a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case has been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation is currently underway.

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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 police, the case stems from investigations carried out by the Enforcement Directorate during raids conducted in April this year. During the searches, officials allegedly uncovered transactions and utilisation of foreign funds amounting to Rs 95 crore.

Investigators also found that funds were withdrawn in India using a debit card issued by the US‑based Truist Bank in the name of one Santhosh Kumar. The ED reportedly recovered 24 foreign debit cards from the accused Mica Mark during the searches.

Preliminary investigations have indicated that several financial transactions were carried out in Maoist‑affected regions of Chhattisgarh. During the interrogation of another accused, Ajith Vargheese Mathai, officials reportedly gathered information regarding shell companies operating from Bengaluru.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, a special investigation team headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) has been entrusted with the probe. The team is expected to submit its findings to central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to ascertain the source, movement and utilisation of the funds, as well as any potential links to banned Maoist organisations. More details are yet to emerge regarding the case.