Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, is under investigation for allegedly running a large-scale religious conversion operation with foreign funding. Authorities are investigating whether he received approximately Rs 500 crore in foreign funding, with Rs 200 crore confirmed and an additional Rs 300 crore allegedly routed through Nepal.
Discovery and Investigation
The investigation into Chhangur Baba began after authorities noticed suspicious spending and unusual transactions in Madhpur village. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Chhangur Baba and his associate, Neetu alias Nasreen, on July 5th. They face charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Previously, authorities apprehended Nasreen's husband, Jamaluddin alias Naveen Rohra, and Jalaluddin's son, Mehboob, in April in connection with the same case. Currently, the ATS is pursuing 14 other individuals allegedly involved. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Modus Operandi
Chhangur Baba, who once sold rings and amulets on his bicycle, allegedly amassed a fortune through illegal means. Investigations suggest he opened over 100 bank accounts in Nepal's border districts, including Kathmandu, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, and Banki, to receive funds from Muslim countries. He allegedly used these funds to convert hundreds of individuals, particularly women, from vulnerable Hindu communities. According to sources, Chhangur Baba maintained a caste-based rate list for converting women to Islam, offering up to Rs 16 lakh for converting women from the Brahmin caste. The racket also used "love jihad" techniques, as evidenced by cases like that of Gunja Gupta from Lucknow, who was allegedly entrapped by Abu Ansari (disguising himself as "Amit"), and subsequently converted and renamed Aleena Ansari.
Assets and Properties
Chhangur Baba's assets include luxury cars, bungalows, and more than three dozen properties, some registered under the names of his associates or NGOs. A lavish Rs 3-crore mansion in Balrampur, built with alleged foreign funding, was demolished for being illegally constructed. The mansion featured hidden rooms, luxury items, a mini-powerhouse, 24/7 surveillance, electric fencing, and even underground planning for mass religious indoctrination. The authorities have removed around 80 percent of illegal constructions on government land allegedly encroached upon by Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba.
Network and Scope
Chhangur Baba and his associates reportedly visited various Islamic nations more than 50 times in recent years. ATS sources suggest that Chhangur used monetary lures to convert hundreds of individuals, offering between Rs 8 to 16 lakh depending on caste. He allegedly planned to build a madrasa near the Nepal border and had already acquired land for this purpose. The ATS believes this gang has been operating for the last 15 years. Sources indicate that Chhangur Baba's conversion targeted over 3,000 to 4,000 Hindus, with suspicions that more than 1,500 women were among the victims. Most victims, however, are unwilling to testify against him.
