ED Raids 14 Locations Linked to Chhangur Baba in UP and Mumbai Over Alleged Conversion Racket

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out raids at 14 locations linked to controversial religious figure Jalaluddin Shah, also known as Chhangur Baba, and his associates, as part of a probe into an alleged religious conversion racket operating in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district.

Locations Raided, Assets Seized

The ED searched 12 premises in Utaraula (Balrampur, UP) and two in Mumbai, targeting properties connected to Chhangur Baba and his network. During the raids, officials reportedly seized:

• Large volumes of land ownership documents

• Luxury vehicles

• Gold and other valuables

• Unaccounted cash running into crores

The agency also searched the residence of Shahzad Sheikh in Mumbai, after over ₹1 crore was found to have been transferred from Chhangur Baba’s accounts to Sheikh’s.

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Allegations of Foreign Funding and Mass Conversions

Chhangur Baba is accused of running a well-organized religious conversion syndicate, allegedly using his religious influence to convert Hindus and non-Muslims to Islam through coercion, inducements, and manipulation.

According to ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash, the racket was active for over 15 years and employed tactics such as honey-trapping, pressure tactics, and targeted conversions of minors. He also claimed:

• Separate rate cards existed for different types of conversions

• Funds were funneled through over 40 bank accounts

• Evidence suggests foreign funding from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal

The ED is investigating bank transactions, property records, and digital trails of Chhangur Baba’s associates, aides, and ashram managers.

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Arrests and Denial of Charges

Chhangur Baba and his close aide, Neetu alias Nasreen, were arrested by the UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on July 5. His son is also allegedly involved in the conversion network.

Despite mounting evidence, Chhangur Baba has denied all allegations, telling news agency ANI: “I am innocent. I don’t know anything.”

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Crackdown Continues

The ED raids follow the recent demolition of illegal structures linked to Chhangur Baba. Authorities say the case is part of a broader crackdown on religious conversion syndicates and illicit foreign funding networks.

Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests and property seizures are expected as agencies deepen the financial and legal scrutiny of the alleged racket.