ED raids Jaipur pastor over Rs 2.88 crore foreign funds, ‘conversion’ activities among dalits and tribals

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted search operations in Jaipur on Friday, targeting two premises linked to a pastor named Ravi Mohan Pahadiya. The investigation was initiated based on intelligence that Pahadiya, a Protestant Missionary affiliated with Hope Ministry, had allegedly received and misused foreign funds for proselytization and conversion activities among Dalit Valmiki and Tribal Bhil communities in Jaipur and southern Rajasthan.

Under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), the ED seized various incriminating documents and digital devices during the search operations. Pahadiya is reported to have received Rs 2.88 crore in foreign donations without obtaining the necessary FCRA registration, using the funds for personal expenses, foreign travels, and property purchases.

The ED's investigation revealed that Pahadiya and his wife, Gunjan Sharma, primarily received the funds by falsely declaring them as business, management consultancy, and public relations services, as well as inward remittances from non-resident Indians for family maintenance and savings.