Balrampur, UP: July 10, 2025 |
Once a modest vendor selling rings and amulets on a bicycle, Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba is now under arrest for allegedly masterminding a vast religious conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district.
His current empire includes over *₹106 crore in funds, **40 bank accounts, and **multiple properties, including a high-value land purchase in Maharashtra. Investigations have revealed foreign funding—mostly from *Islamic nations in the Middle East.
Arrest and Allegations: A Deepening Probe
Chhangur Baba was arrested last Saturday from a *Lucknow hotel, along with his associate **Neetu alias Nasreen. Their arrest followed the busting of a conversion ring that, police say, **targeted poor laborers, backward communities, widowed women, and the *underprivileged.
Victims were either lured with money, marriage promises, and incentives or intimidated into conversion—clearly bypassing all lawful procedures.
ATS, STF, and ED Join Hands in Crackdown
Three major agencies are now involved:
- UP ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) is investigating potential terror links.
- The Special Task Force (STF) has registered a criminal case against the group.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a parallel probe into money laundering and foreign funding, triggered by a sudden, unexplained surge in Jamaluddin’s wealth.
Local law enforcement is also tracing other members allegedly linked to this network operating out of Balrampur.
The Rise of Chhangur Baba: From Sarpanch to Pir Baba
Hailing from *Rehra Mafi village, Jamaluddin once served as the *village head. Locals recall his humble past, roaming the streets to sell charms on a bicycle.
After associating with Neetu, he built a structure beside a dargah in Madhpur, just 3 km from his village. This building was touted to be a hospital—then a school—but never fulfilled any of those purposes.
On Wednesday, officials found the building was illegally constructed on government land and had it demolished using bulldozers.
The Assets and Properties: A National Web
- Primary Property: Illegally built building in Balrampur with 15 CCTV cameras and guard dogs.
- Maharashtra Land Deal: A high-value land in Lonavala worth ₹16.49 crore, purchased jointly by Chhangur Baba and an associate named Naveen in August 2023.
- Foreign Funding Trail: Most transactions originate from *Middle Eastern Islamic nations, raising suspicions of *money laundering and radical funding.
A man named *Mohammad Ahmed Khan, who sold the Lonavala land, is under investigation for possibly financing the racket. Authorities are trying to confirm if he’s the same *Ahmed Khan who wired money to Jamaluddin.
Government Employees Under Scanner
Investigating agencies are now focusing on government officials, agents, and insiders who may have assisted Chhangur Baba in securing land, hiding funds, or avoiding scrutiny.
They are also looking into how many people were converted under false pretenses, and whether any of the foreign money was funneled into anti-national activities.
Yogi Adityanath Responds: “No Leniency, Only Action”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a strong statement on Tuesday, affirming that initial investigations suggest Jamaluddin’s actions are not only socially harmful but also a threat to national security.
“There will be no leniency in matters related to law and order. The properties of the accused and his gang members will be seized, and strict legal action will follow,” said the CM.
Key Highlights
- Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba ran a conversion racket targeting the poor and vulnerable.
- He was found with ₹106 crore across 40 bank accounts, mostly funded from abroad.
- Properties in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra were identified and are under scrutiny.
- UP ATS, ED, and STF are jointly investigating links to terror funding and illegal land deals.
- CM Yogi has assured *strong legal action, including *property seizures and criminal prosecution.