The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on July 17, 2025, at 14 locations linked to Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, in connection with a money laundering case amounting to approximately Rs 100 crore. The raids spanned across 12 premises in Utraula, Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh, and two locations in Mumbai.
The investigation against Chhangur Baba is based on allegations of operating a religious conversion racket, misuse of foreign funds, and activities that pose a threat to national security. The ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after receiving a report from the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The report indicated suspicious transactions exceeding ₹106 crore in 40 bank accounts held by Chhangur Baba and entities associated with him.
According to officials, the ED is trying to trace the origin and utilization of foreign funds allegedly received by individuals and organizations connected to Chhangur Baba. The agency suspects that these funds were used for illegal activities, including orchestrating religious conversions and disrupting public order.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS had previously arrested Chhangur Baba, along with his aide Neetu alias Nasreen, on July 5. They were allegedly part of an organized network involved in converting individuals from Hindu and other non-Muslim communities to Islam. An FIR was filed against them under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.
During the raids, the ED focused on Chhangur Baba's close associates, followers, and ashram managers, scrutinizing their bank accounts, properties, and transactions. The ED also targeted locations associated with Shahzad Sheikh in Mumbai, where over ₹1 crore was reportedly transferred from Chhangur Baba's accounts.
The ED's investigation revealed that Chhangur Baba allegedly amassed assets exceeding Rs 100 crore over a few years through an organized network. He allegedly purchased land and carried out illegal constructions without obtaining the necessary approvals. It was found that Chhangur Baba had funds mainly received from the Middle East in as many as 40 bank accounts.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS investigation revealed that Chhangur Baba formed a team of 1000 to 1500 Muslim youths across states to carry out religious conversions and 'love jihad', with a focus on districts bordering Nepal. They used secret codewords in their operations, such as 'applying kajal' for brainwashing and 'changing soil' for conversion.
The ED's investigation has so far uncovered Rs 68 crore worth of transactions in 18 out of 30 bank accounts associated with the syndicate. Of this, Rs 7 crore of foreign funding arrived in just three months via hawala and money laundering routes from several countries. The gang allegedly used the funds to purchase properties and organize religious events.
