Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin’s Rs 106 cr conversion empire busted in UP - ‘Middle East funds, women targeted’

Chhangur Baba

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday arrested Jamaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, from a hotel in Lucknow in connection with a large-scale religious conversion racket that was recently uncovered in Balrampur district. He was caught along with his close aide, Neetu alias Nasreen, NDTV reported.

The arrest marked a significant breakthrough in a growing case involving illegal conversions, money laundering and possible links to anti-national activities.

Since the arrest, several state and central agencies, including the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Special Task Force (STF), and local police, have intensified their investigations. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also joined in, registering a case to trace the financial trail behind Chhangur Baba’s sudden rise in wealth, as he has funds worth Rs 106 crore, mainly received from the Middle East, in 40 bank accounts and at least two properties worth crores.

The modus operandi

According to the UP Police, the conversion gang led by Chhangur Baba targeted poor labourers, widows, and individuals from marginalised communities. These people were lured with promises of money, marriage, or other benefits. In some cases, conversions were allegedly carried out using pressure or fear, bypassing legal procedures.

The police officials believe that the Balrampur incident was not an isolated case. Instead, it may have been part of a larger network with possible links to extremist groups or foreign influences.

Chhangur Baba, who was once a roadside vendor selling rings and amulets on his bicycle, managed to create a vast financial empire. Originally from Rehra Mafi village in Balrampur, he later became the gram pradhan (village head).

Illegal property

One of his most notable assets was a multi-section building constructed illegally next to a dargah in Madhpur, near his native village. The structure, which had 15 CCTV cameras and even two guard dogs, was allegedly built on government land. It was said to be planned first as a hospital, then a school, but no actual services were provided. On Wednesday, the government demolished the structure as part of an ongoing crackdown, NDTV reported.

Apart from the Balrampur building, Chhangur Baba also had many properties in several other places. One of these properties is in Maharashtra's Lonavala and was bought in the name of Changur Baba and Naveen, also arrested recently, on August 2, 2023. The price of this land is Rs 16. 49 crore, as per the documents.

Investigators are looking into the source of funds and whether Ahmed Khan, the person who sold the land, is the same individual who allegedly transferred funds to Chhangur Baba.

The officials are also focusing on whether any government officials or employees assisted Chhangur Baba in running his racket.

UP CM on Chhangur Baba

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday strongly condemned the activities of Jamaluddin, calling them not just a threat to social harmony but also ‘against the nation.’ He added that all properties connected to Chhangur Baba and his gang will be confiscated and that the government will take the strictest possible legal action.

"We arrested a violent criminal in Balarampur who used to play with women's dignity. We will not let the society break and also destroy anti-national, anti-social elements; as well as protect the planet," India Today quoted CM Yogi Adityanath as saying.