Has the ED Arrested Chhangur Baba's Financial Aide Naveen Rohra?
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Synopsis
The recent arrest of Naveen Rohra, a close aide to Chhangur Baba, by the ED raises serious questions about illicit religious conversions and foreign funding. This investigation reveals a complex web of financial transactions and potential threats to national security, urging further scrutiny into the activities surrounding this controversial spiritual leader.
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Rohra arrested for illegal religious conversions.
- Involvement of foreign funds raises national security concerns.
- ED's investigation includes searches in multiple locations.
- Accusations of money laundering up to Rs 300 crore.
- Network linked to Chhangur Baba under scrutiny.
Lucknow, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate has detained and interrogated Naveen Rohra, a significant associate of the self-proclaimed spiritual figure Chhangur Baba, who is implicated in illicit religious conversions facilitated by foreign financing, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
Naveen Rohra faced intense questioning regarding the conspiracy surrounding illegal religious conversions, the use of foreign funding, and activities threatening national security, the official elaborated.
The federal agency's Lucknow Zonal Office apprehended Rohra on Monday and quickly obtained his custody until August 8 from a Special PMLA Court in Lucknow.
Rohra is accused of transferring at least Rs 1 crore to Shahzad Sheikh, a financial associate of Chhangur Baba based in Mumbai.
Sheikh is suspected of providing hawala services to manage the funds of the controversial spiritual figure.
On July 17, ED investigators scrutinized and confiscated bank accounts, property documents, and digital records from Sheikh's properties in Bandra and Mahim.
In addition to Mumbai, the ED conducted searches at 12 locations in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with money laundering linked to the alleged religious conversion operation.
This operation is part of a broader investigation into money laundering through shell companies associated with individuals in a supposed multi-state religious conversion scheme led by Chhangur Baba.
The searches in Mumbai were prompted by suspicions that Chhangur Baba received funds, including donations, from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Nepal, with illegal transactions reaching up to Rs 200-300 crore.
Members of Chhangur Baba's network reportedly traveled to Islamic nations nearly 40 times and established over 40 bank accounts linked to shell entities.
The Mahim search occurred at Rizvi Heights, where Sheikh was present and questioned about the funds deposited in his account and their intended uses.
The ED suspects that Sheikh received these funds for unlawful operations, including religious conversions and actions that could disturb public order.
Investigators are still pursuing or questioning other suspects, including individuals known as Mehboob, Pinky Harijan, Hazira Shankar, Sagir, and a person claiming to be a journalist, Amen Rizvi.
Point of View
The arrest of Naveen Rohra highlights the pressing issue of illegal religious conversions and the potential misuse of foreign funds. It is essential that we approach this matter with the utmost seriousness, ensuring that all investigations are thorough and transparent, while safeguarding our nation’s integrity and public order.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind Naveen Rohra's arrest?
Naveen Rohra was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for his alleged involvement in illegal religious conversions using foreign funds, posing a potential threat to national security.
Who is Chhangur Baba?
Chhangur Baba is a self-styled spiritual leader allegedly involved in a network of unlawful religious conversions and financial misconduct.
What are hawala services?
Hawala is an informal method of transferring money, often used for remittances and can be associated with money laundering activities.
How much money is involved in this case?
The investigation suggests that illegal transactions linked to Chhangur Baba could involve sums between Rs 200-300 crore.
What actions are being taken against other suspects?
Investigators continue to interrogate other individuals associated with Chhangur Baba's network, gathering evidence related to the case.
