ED flags Rs 6.5cr foreign cash withdrawals in Bastar, Dhamtari; Rs 95cr funnelled via debit cards

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-affected districts of Bastar and Dhamtari have emerged at the centre of a major foreign funding probe, with the Enforcement Directorate flagging suspicious cash withdrawals of around Rs 6.5 crore using foreign debit cards, as part of a Rs 95 crore money trail routed into India. The ED conducted searches at six locations across multiple states on April 18 and 19 under a FEMA investigation linked to the activities of “The Timothy Initiative” (TTI) and associated persons. ED officials said the pattern of withdrawals in LWE-affected areas such as Bastar and Dhamtari raises concerns over organised networks and potential misuse of funds in sensitive regions. Investigators have also found that an online billing and accounting platform, allegedly operated from outside India, was used to track the withdrawals and utilisation of funds.The 'Timothy Initiative' is a US-based Christian organisation focused on training local leaders to establish and expand church networks, particularly in underserved or remote regions.According to the agency, foreign bank debit cards linked to a US based bank, USA, were allegedly brought into India and repeatedly used to withdraw cash from ATMs across states, bypassing regulatory oversight. The funds were then utilised for activities connected to TTI India, which, officials said, is not registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)."The probe gained momentum after a foreign national, Micah Mark, was intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration at Bengaluru international airport based on an ED lookout circular," officials said adding that 24 foreign debit cards were recovered from him, which were allegedly being used for cash withdrawals in India.ED officials said the pattern of withdrawals in LWE-affected areas such as Bastar and Dhamtari raises concerns over organised networks and potential misuse of funds in sensitive regions.Investigators have also found that an online billing and accounting platform, allegedly operated from outside India, was used to track the withdrawals and utilisation of funds.The agency said around Rs 95 crore was brought into India through such foreign-issued debit cards between November 2025 and April 2026.Searches led to the seizure of 25 foreign debit cards, Rs 40 lakh in cash, along with electronic devices, digital evidence and documents. Further investigation is underway.