Jalaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, a self-styled spiritual leader from Madhpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district, has emerged as the alleged mastermind of a massive illegal religious conversion racket. Arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on July 5, 2025, alongside his aide Neetu alias Nasreen, his activities came under scrutiny due to claims of foreign funding and coercion.

Operating from the Chand Auliya Dargah, Chhangur Baba is accused of converting over 3,000 individuals, particularly vulnerable Hindu women and Scheduled Castes, using psychological manipulation and financial incentives. The investigation, intensified as of July 11, 2025, reveals a web of illicit wealth and international ties.

From Humble Beginnings to a Crore Empire

Chhangur Baba’s journey began as a modest gemstone and amulet seller, peddling his wares on a bicycle in rural Uttar Pradesh. His fortunes shifted after stints in Mumbai and Saudi Arabia, where he built a network that transformed him into a “Peer Baba” by 2015. Authorities allege he amassed assets exceeding Rs 100 crore, including a lavish mansion in Balrampur demolished on July 8, 2025, for illegal construction. The mansion, featuring imported marble and luxury items, served as the racket’s operational hub, funded by foreign remittances traced to Middle Eastern nations.

Foreign Funding Exposed

Investigations uncovered that Chhangur Baba maintained 40 bank accounts holding Rs 106 crore, with additional claims of Rs 300-500 crore routed through Nepal via hawala channels from countries like Pakistan, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), launching a money laundering probe on July 9, 2025, suspects these funds fueled conversions, property purchases, and luxury acquisitions like foreign-breed horses. The ATS seized digital devices to trace international transactions, while the ED seeks bank and tax records, hinting at a sophisticated cross-border network.

Methods and Allegations

Chhangur Baba allegedly used religious discourses, a book titled Shijra-e-Tayyaba, and a caste-based “rate card” (Rs 16 lakh for Brahmins, Rs 8-10 lakh for lower castes) to lure victims. Cases include a Lucknow woman coerced into conversion via a fake relationship and a minor girl converted in Dubai. Critics question the narrative’s focus on “love jihad,” suggesting economic motives or local rivalries may amplify the story, yet the scale of financial flows supports organized intent.

Fallout and Controversy

The UP government, led by CM Yogi Adityanath, labeled Chhangur’s actions “anti-national,” prompting bulldozer action and arrests. The ED and NIA’s involvement signals a multi-agency crackdown, but the rapid escalation raises debates. Some see it as a justified response to illegal funding, while others question if political motives or selective enforcement shape the narrative, given the lack of victim testimonies. As investigations deepen, the true scope of his empire remains under scrutiny.

-By Manoj H