What Led ED to Raid 14 Locations Linked to Chhangur Baba in Religious Conversion Racket?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate's recent raids on 14 locations connected to Chhangur Baba reveal a complex web of alleged religious conversion activities funded by foreign sources. As the investigation unfolds, significant assets have been recovered, and the implications of these findings could extend far beyond local borders.
Key Takeaways
- ED raids 14 locations linked to Chhangur Baba.
- Seized items include luxury vehicles and land documents.
- Chhangur Baba allegedly masterminds a religious conversion racket.
- Investigation reveals funds worth Rs 106 crore.
- Authorities scrutinizing financial transactions and assets.
Lucknow, July 17 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Thursday, targeting 14 premises associated with Jamaluddin Shah, popularly known as Chhangur Baba, and his affiliates as part of an investigation into an alleged religious conversion racket in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh.
Of the locations searched, 12 were situated in Uttar Pradesh, while the remaining two were in Mumbai.
The operations were initiated following allegations that Chhangur Baba orchestrated a large-scale religious conversion scheme.
During the investigations, the ED reportedly seized significant items including land documents, luxury vehicles, gold, and unaccounted cash.
A notable site raided was linked to Shahzad Sheikh in Mumbai, where investigators discovered that over Rs one crore had been transferred from Chhangur Baba's accounts to Sheikh's.
Once a humble vendor selling rings and amulets from his bicycle, Chhangur Baba is now accused of operating a well-organized conversion syndicate financed by foreign funds. He was apprehended earlier this month.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had previously detained his accomplice, Neetu alias Nasreen, along with her spouse, Naveen.
Authorities assert that Chhangur Baba accumulated considerable wealth while masking his activities under the guise of religious belief.
Initial inquiries have revealed properties valued at crores of rupees that are believed to be connected to him.
The ED has broadened its investigation to include Chhangur Baba's close circle—his followers, associates, and managers, including Neetu alias Nasreen. Officials are currently analyzing their bank accounts, financial dealings, and tangible assets.
The ED is exploring the possibility that these international transactions were linked to the alleged conversion activities.
Originally from Rehra Mafi village in Uttar Pradesh, Chhangur Baba previously served as the village head. According to officials, his extensive empire, primarily funded through conversion-linked resources, is focused in the Uttaraula area of Balrampur district, which borders Nepal.
Investigative reports indicate that he manages funds worth Rs 106 crore, purportedly received from Middle Eastern nations, distributed across 40 bank accounts, alongside at least two properties valued in crores.
Ongoing investigations continue, with officials scrutinizing documents and digital evidence to uncover the full scale of the operation.
Point of View
I must emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in cases like this. The allegations against Chhangur Baba raise critical questions about the intersection of faith and finance, highlighting the necessity for transparency and accountability. We stand committed to reporting the facts as they emerge and ensuring that justice prevails.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED to conduct these raids?
The Enforcement Directorate initiated the raids based on allegations that Chhangur Baba was orchestrating a large-scale religious conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh.
What was seized during the raids?
During the searches, the ED recovered significant items, including land documents, luxury vehicles, gold, and substantial amounts of unaccounted cash.
Who is Chhangur Baba?
Chhangur Baba, or Jamaluddin Shah, is accused of running a sophisticated conversion syndicate and previously worked as a vendor selling rings and amulets.
What are the financial implications of this case?
Investigations reveal that Chhangur Baba controls funds worth Rs 106 crore, allegedly linked to foreign sources, raising concerns about the legality of these financial transactions.
How is the investigation progressing?
The ED is expanding its inquiry to include Chhangur Baba's associates and examining their financial records to trace the full scale of the operation.
