Conversion Kingpin Exposed: ED Unravels Chhangur Baba’s ₹106 Crore Foreign-Funded Racket

From Amulets to Empire: The Rise of Chhangur Baba

Jalaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, once peddled gemstones in Balrampur’s dusty lanes. Today, he stands accused of masterminding one of India’s largest religious conversion rackets, allegedly funded by over ₹106 crore from foreign sources, primarily the Middle East.

His transformation from a local mystic to a self-styled “Peer Baba” was marked by strategic manipulation, psychological influence, and a sprawling network operating from the Chand Auliya Dargah. According to ED sources, Baba’s empire included:

• 40 bank accounts linked to him and his associates
• Illegal constructions in Balrampur and Pune, including a mansion razed by authorities
• Foreign-funded gatherings attended by Indian and international nationals

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seeking custodial remand and detailed financial records from banks and local authorities.

The ₹106 Crore Trail: Foreign Funds and Coercive Conversions

The ED’s probe stems from an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which arrested Chhangur Baba and his close aide Neetu alias Nasreen on July 5. The ATS alleges that Baba’s network:

• Targeted women and minors, especially from Scheduled Castes and economically weaker sections
• Used incentives, intimidation, and false promises to coerce religious conversions
• Maintained a caste-based “rate list”, offering up to ₹16 lakh for Brahmin women

Investigators found that Nasreen received ₹13.9 crore in just four months, while another associate, Ghanshyam Rohera, had over ₹34 crore in two accounts. Properties worth ₹100 crore were acquired without legal land-use approvals, including a ₹16 crore plot in Pune.

The ED suspects that these funds were not only used for conversions but also to build an illegal empire that posed a threat to communal harmony and national security.

Legal Reckoning and Political Fallout

The scandal has triggered a multi-agency crackdown. Alongside the ED, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and UP Police are pursuing leads on terror links and foreign influence. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the case “not just anti-social, but anti-national,” demanding swift justice.

Key developments include:

• Demolition of illegal structures in Balrampur’s Madhpur village
• Seizure of assets and bank accounts under PMLA provisions
• Custody remand of accused for further interrogation

Women’s rights groups and political leaders have demanded stringent punishment, with calls for the death penalty echoing across media platforms. The UP Women’s Commission labeled Baba a “wolf in disguise,” citing the exploitation of vulnerable women and children.

Conclusion:
The Chhangur Baba saga is a chilling reminder of how unchecked influence, foreign funding, and communal manipulation can converge into a national crisis. As the ED tightens its grip, the case could redefine India’s approach to religious conversions, foreign donations, and internal security. The ₹106 crore question now is, how deep does this rabbit hole go?

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