The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, targeting 14 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai linked to the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. The searches, initiated by the Lucknow Zonal Unit of the ED around 5 am, focused on uncovering evidence related to an alleged illegal religious conversion network operated by Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba.
The raids encompassed 12 premises in Utaraula and Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, and two locations in Mumbai. These actions are part of a broader investigation into Chhangur Baba, who is accused of masterminding a large-scale religious conversion racket. The ED's investigation is based on an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) concerning the alleged illegal religious conversions.
Chhangur Baba and his associates are accused of converting individuals from other faiths, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and scheduled castes, through financial incentives and psychological manipulation. Victims were allegedly lured with promises of financial aid, jobs in Dubai, marriage, and other incentives. In some instances, intimidation and coercion were reportedly used.
The ED's investigation has revealed that approximately ₹106 crore (approximately $13.3 million USD) in funds were deposited across 40 bank accounts linked to Chhangur Baba and his associates, primarily sourced from the Middle East. The agency suspects illegal construction activities were carried out without proper government approvals and has requested asset and financial details from various authorities to trace the proceeds of the crime. Preliminary findings suggest the racket received foreign funding of about ₹106 crore, and possessed illegal assets across states. Earlier reports indicated that 18 bank accounts linked to Chhangur Baba saw transactions worth ₹68 crore.
The case gained prominence after it was discovered that Mumbai-based businessman Naveen Rohra, his wife Neetu, and their daughter allegedly underwent religious conversion under Chhangur Baba's influence. Post-conversion, the couple adopted Muslim names—Jamaluddin and Nasreen—and moved in with Chhangur Baba, reportedly allowing him to use their luxury vehicles.
In a related development, the Balrampur district administration issued a notice to Chhangur Baba's landlord, directing them to pay ₹8.5 lakh (approximately $10,700 USD) as compensation for the costs incurred in demolishing unauthorized constructions on government land. The administration had demolished a part of the house where Chhangur Baba had been living for the past four years.
Adding another layer to the case, a former aide of Chhangur Baba, Harjeet Singh, has claimed to have received death threats after providing testimony against his former associate. Harjeet alleged that he was attacked and warned to retract his statement. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the threats.
Chhangur Baba, who was once a seller of rings and amulets, has denied the charges against him, claiming innocence. He, along with his associate Neetu alias Nasreen, was arrested by the ATS and is currently in judicial custody. The ATS is interrogating them about alleged foreign funding, property ownership, conversion methods, and the identification of key associates and targets.
The Uttar Pradesh government is also poised to take action against four of its own officials in connection with the case. An ADM, two Circle Officers, and an Inspector, all of whom were posted in Balrampur between 2019 and 2024, are under investigation for allegedly accepting cash and luxury cars and facilitating fraudulent land deals. The probe is widening, with two tehsildars also likely to face scrutiny.
