Raipur, India: India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has significantly expanded its investigation into alleged foreign funding linked to religious conversion activities in the Maoist-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. According to official sources, at least 153 organizations receiving overseas financial support have now come under scrutiny, as authorities intensify efforts to trace suspected misuse of funds.
Preliminary findings suggest that bank accounts associated with a U.S.-based missionary organization were used to withdraw approximately ₹6.5 crore (around $780,000 USD) through ATM transactions across Bastar and neighboring Dhamtari district. Investigators believe these withdrawals may be part of a larger network involving multiple entities suspected of channeling foreign contributions into unauthorized activities.
The probe has raised concerns over potential violations of India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), which governs how non-governmental organizations receive and utilize foreign funding. Officials suspect that some groups may have used overseas funds to influence vulnerable tribal communities through inducements, potentially facilitating religious conversions—an allegation that remains under investigation.
Data from state authorities indicates that as of March 2025, around 364 NGOs were actively operating in Chhattisgarh under FCRA registration. Following initial findings of financial irregularities:
- Funding for 84 organizations has been suspended
- Registration of 127 organizations has been canceled
The case has drawn national attention, with inputs from the state Home Department prompting earlier involvement by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The ED has now taken the lead in unraveling what officials describe as a “multi-layered financial network.”
In a recent development, ED officials conducted coordinated search operations across six Indian states, targeting premises linked to the suspected network. Investigators reportedly uncovered links to an entity referred to as “TTI” and its associated channels, further expanding the scope of the probe.
Financial intelligence inputs suggest that between November 2025 and April 2026, nearly ₹95 crore (approximately $11.4 million USD) may have been routed into India via debit card transactions—raising red flags over possible attempts to bypass regulatory oversight.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma has indicated that more stringent actions are likely in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have reiterated that the probe is ongoing, and any conclusions regarding wrongdoing will depend on the outcome of detailed financial and legal examination.
