Chhangur Baba Held in ₹106 Cr Conversion Racket

GG News Bureau
Balrampur/Lucknow, 9th July: Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of a major religious conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh, has come under intense scrutiny after his arrest revealed staggering financial and property assets, including ₹106 crore spread across 40 bank accounts—mostly funded from Middle Eastern countries.

Once a roadside seller of rings and amulets, Chhangur Baba, who later became a village head, is now facing investigations by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Special Task Force (STF), local police, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which registered a money laundering case on Tuesday.

Chhangur was arrested along with his associate Neetu alias Nasreen from a Lucknow hotel on Saturday. The duo was linked to the recent bust of a religious conversion racket in Balrampur district. Authorities said poor and vulnerable individuals, including women and labourers, were allegedly lured or coerced into conversion using financial incentives, false promises, and threats.

₹106 Crore Trail & Foreign Links
According to ED sources, the explosive rise in Chhangur Baba’s finances triggered the probe. The ₹106 crore found in 40 bank accounts has reportedly been traced to donors in various Islamic nations. The ED is investigating the purpose of these remittances and any potential anti-national connections.

In addition to his cash reserves, Chhangur reportedly owns properties across multiple states. One prime piece of land in Maharashtra’s Lonavala, bought in August 2023 in his and associate Naveen’s name, is worth ₹16.49 crore. Documents show the land was sold by one Mohammad Ahmed Khan, who is also under investigation for sending funds to Chhangur.

Illegal Construction Demolished
On Wednesday, officials demolished an illegal building allegedly constructed by Chhangur on government land near a dargah in Madhpur, three kilometres from his native village, Rehra Mafi. The two-storey structure, fitted with CCTV cameras and home to his aides and dogs, was once claimed to be intended for a hospital or school—plans that were never realized.

Political and Administrative Fallout
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken serious note of the case, calling Chhangur Baba’s actions “not only against society but also against the nation.” He warned that strict legal action would follow and said, “Properties of the accused and others in the gang will be seized without leniency.”

Officials are also probing the role of government officers and agents who may have facilitated the illegal operations. Chhangur’s alleged involvement in mass conversions and the source and use of foreign funds are being closely scrutinized.

Security agencies are now focusing on whether the racket had any terror links and whether the massive foreign funding was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing social harmony.