ED raids 14 locations in UP, Mumbai in Chhangur Baba conversion case; Rs 106 crore linked to foreign funds

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at 14 locations across Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai on Wednesday, investigating the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. The operation, which began at 5 am, focused on 12 premises in Utraula, Balrampur district, and two locations in Mumbai, examining potential money laundering and foreign funding connected to alleged illegal religious conversions.The ED recently registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, who is accused of illegal religious conversions and misuse of foreign funds.The agency discovered that Chhangur Baba has approximately Rs 106 crore spread across 40 bank accounts, primarily received from Middle Eastern sources.On July 10, the ED sought detailed information about Chhangur Baba from local police authorities, the District Magistrate, and various banks to trace the source and use of foreign contributions.The ED sent a letter to the Superintendent of Police ATS Lucknow requesting "certified copy of First Information Report registered against Chhangur Baba (real name Karimulla Shah) on November 16, 2024, details of entities associated with him, bank account details related to him and his associates, and details of movable and immovable assets."

The investigation revealed that Chhangur Baba was arrested with his associate Neetu alias Nasreen from a Lucknow hotel on July 5 by Lucknow ATS. Both accused remained in ATS custody until July 16.The district administration began demolition of illegally constructed properties, including parts of Chhangur Baba's residence in Madhupur and properties connected to his associates."Chhangur Baba is alleged to have established an extensive network operating from the premises of Chand Auliya Dargah, where he regularly organized large gatherings attended by both Indian and foreign nationals."Officials reported that Chhangur Baba used religious discourses, published a book titled Shijra-e-Tayyaba, and employed psychological influence to promote Islam and allegedly manipulate individuals from other faiths, particularly Hindus, Scheduled Castes, and economically disadvantaged persons, into religious conversion."These acts were part of a broader organized effort to carry out mass conversions and accumulate wealth through deceitful means.

FIR further revealed that Chhangur Baba amassed assets exceeding Rs 100 crore over a span of a few years, allegedly acquired through this organized network," officials stated.The investigation uncovered that Chhangur Baba purchased land and constructed residential, commercial, and institutional structures without proper land use conversion approvals.The ED continues to analyze financial transactions and records to determine the full extent of the alleged violations while investigating possible threats to national security and communal harmony.The agency's actions are part of increased scrutiny of financial flows linked to organizations suspected of violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.