ED Launches Major Search Operation in Religious Conversion Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a large-scale search operation in connection with the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. The raids are being conducted across 14 different locations, including 12 premises in Utraula, Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh, and two in Mumbai. The operation started early in the morning around 5 am, as reported by official sources.
The investigation is focused on potential money laundering and foreign funding activities linked to alleged illegal religious conversions. This move follows a formal investigation launched by the ED against Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, who faces serious allegations related to religious conversions, misuse of foreign funds, and actions that could threaten national security and disrupt communal harmony.
On July 9, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Chhangur Baba. The report indicates that he has funds worth Rs 106 crore—primarily from the Middle East—held in 40 bank accounts. As part of its inquiry, the ED sought detailed information about Chhangur Baba from local police authorities, the District Magistrate, and multiple banks on July 10.
The probe aims to trace the source and end use of foreign contributions allegedly received by individuals or organizations linked to Chhangur Baba. Officials suspect that these funds may have been used for unlawful activities, including orchestrating religious conversions and disturbing public order.
The ED’s actions come amid increased scrutiny of financial flows linked to organizations violating provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and the PMLA. During the course of the investigation, the ED sent a letter to the Superintendent of Police ATS Lucknow requesting a certified copy of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Chhangur Baba (real name Karimulla Shah) on November 16, 2024. The letter also asked for details of entities associated with him, bank account details, and information on movable and immovable assets.
The federal agency also wrote to the Balrampur District Magistrate for details on the assets of Chhangur Baba and his associates. Emails were sent to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) cells of concerned banks to obtain bank account statements mentioned in the FIR.
During the investigation under PMLA, it was revealed that Chhangur Baba was arrested along with his close associate Neetu, also known as Nasreen, from a hotel in Lucknow on July 5 by the Lucknow ATS. Both accused were taken into custody until July 16. The district administration had initiated demolition proceedings against properties identified as illegally constructed, including parts of Chhangur Baba’s residence in Madhupur and holdings connected to other associates.
Chhangur Baba, a resident of Madpur village in Balrampur district, along with Neetu alias Nasreen and others, is accused of being involved in a large-scale conspiracy involving unlawful religious conversions, utilization of foreign funding, and activities posing a threat to national security and communal harmony.
According to the ED, Chhangur Baba is alleged to have established an extensive network operating from the premises of Chand Auliya Dargah, where he regularly organized large gatherings attended by both Indian and foreign nationals. Through his religious discourses, the publication of a book titled Shijra-e-Tayyaba, and strategic psychological influence, Chhangur Baba is accused of promoting Islam while systematically inducing, coercing, and manipulating individuals of other faiths—particularly Hindus, Scheduled Castes, and economically disadvantaged persons—into religious conversion.
These acts were part of a broader organized effort to carry out mass conversions and accumulate wealth through deceitful means. The FIR further revealed that Chhangur Baba amassed assets exceeding Rs 100 crore over a few years, allegedly acquired through this organized network.
As per the officials, Chhangur Baba purchased land and undertook extensive illegal constructions—including residential, commercial, and institutional structures—without obtaining the necessary land use conversion approvals. Further action is expected as the ED analyzes financial transactions and other records to determine the extent of the alleged violations.
