Chhangur Baba case: ED finds Croatian currency photo on associate's phone

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted extensive raids at 14 locations across Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai, uncovering potential international links in the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. Key discovery was made at the Mumbai residence of Shehzad Sheikh, a close associate of the accused Naveen, where a photo of the Croatian currency, 'Kuna', was found on a mobile phone.

This finding suggests that the religious conversion racket may have had international dimensions, with foreign currency potentially playing a role in the operations. The ED is now analysing data from Sheikh's mobile device to gather more information on this aspect.

During the investigation, it was also found that Shehzad had sold some land to Chhangur Baba.

Additionally, the ED will seize 10 properties owned by Chhangur Baba and his close associates, which have been identified during the investigation.

The agency is investigating financial trails linked to the racket, including a substantial Rs 2 crore transfer from an account associated with Naveen to Shehzad Sheikh. Properties worth over 40 crore, including those owned by Chhangur Baba and his associates, have also been identified for attachment.

Chhangur Baba was arrested earlier this month, accused of orchestrating large-scale religious conversions. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has been involved in the investigation, revealing a complex network targeting vulnerable individuals, notably Hindu women and minors.

Chhangur Baba, while denying the allegations, said, "I am innocent. I don't know anything." His arrest has brought to light a financial trail involving over Rs 500 crore allegedly funnelled from foreign sources into accounts linked to the racket.

The properties linked to Chhangur Baba and his close associates have substantially increased in value, now estimated at over 40 crore. The ED has seized numerous property documents, with plans to officially attach these properties within the next two to three weeks.

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