The Karnataka High Court has refused to halt criminal proceedings under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against six individuals accused of participating in an alleged foreign funding network with links to the US-based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI).
Dismissing petitions seeking to quash the First Information Report (FIR), Justice M. Nagaprasanna held that the allegations raised serious concerns relating to national security and required a comprehensive investigation rather than judicial intervention at the initial stage.
The Court observed that the case involved allegations of covert financial channels allegedly used to support left-wing extremist activities, stressing that such claims could not be brushed aside before investigators had the opportunity to examine the evidence.
According to the Court, clandestine financing plays a critical role in sustaining extremist movements, making it imperative for investigative agencies to fully examine the alleged flow of funds before any conclusions are drawn.
FIR Based on ED Inputs
The case was registered by the Karnataka Police after receiving information from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had been investigating suspected violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The six accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and destruction of evidence. They have also been booked under Sections 13, 17 and 18 of the UAPA, which deal with unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorist acts and conspiracy relating to terrorist activities.
Probe Began After Airport Interception
The ED’s investigation reportedly began after one of the accused, Micah Mark, was intercepted at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly carrying 24 international debit cards.
Subsequent searches conducted under FEMA allegedly uncovered a broader operation involving foreign-issued debit cards used to withdraw funds across multiple locations in India.
Investigators claimed that approximately ₹92.55 crore was withdrawn between November 2025 and April 2026 using these cards. An additional ₹40 crore in withdrawals was allegedly traced over an earlier period in states including Chhattisgarh and Assam.
According to the agency, the debit cards had been issued in the name of “Santosh Kumar,” allegedly to conceal the identities of the actual users and bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
The ED further alleged that the money moved through TTI’s network in India and was withdrawn in regions affected by left-wing extremism, leading it to share its findings with the Karnataka Police for further action.
Court Rejects Challenge to ED’s Role
The petitioners argued that the ED had exceeded its legal authority by recommending the registration of a UAPA case, contending that its jurisdiction was limited to proceedings under FEMA and the PMLA. They also maintained that there was no prima facie evidence justifying the invocation of anti-terror provisions.
The High Court rejected these arguments, pointing to Section 66(2) of the PMLA, which empowers the ED to share information relating to possible violations of other laws with the appropriate authorities.
The Court noted that the ED’s communication contained detailed allegations concerning the movement of foreign funds, the alleged use of overseas debit cards and the suspected utilisation of those funds in areas affected by left-wing extremism.
It also reiterated that while considering a petition to quash an FIR, the Court’s role is not to assess the guilt or innocence of the accused but only to determine whether sufficient material exists to justify an investigation.
Emphasising the broader implications of extremist financing, the Court observed that the threat lies not merely in the transfer of money but in its potential to fuel organised violence and undermine public safety and national unity.
Holding that the allegations merited a full-fledged investigation, the High Court declined to interfere with the proceedings, allowing the probe to continue.
