In a major crackdown on an alleged religious conversion and money laundering racket, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted extensive search operations at multiple locations tied to the activities of Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin Shah—an amulet seller turned multimillionaire—accused of amassing wealth worth over ₹100 crore through illicit means.
The ED carried out raids at as many as 15 locations spread across Balrampur, Lucknow, and Mumbai, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as part of its investigation into a deeply rooted financial and religious conversion syndicate.
The searches were linked to Jalaluddin Shah, his close confidant Naveen Rohra, and several other individuals reportedly part of the clandestine network.
From Amulets to Empire: The Rise of ‘Chhangur Baba’
Jalaluddin Shah, now widely referred to by his alias ‘Chhangur Baba,’ is a 78-year-old former amulet and ring seller from Rehra Ma village in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. Known locally for having six fingers—a physical trait that lent him his nickname—Chhangur once led a modest life, peddling talismans and spiritual trinkets from a bicycle.
However, his fortunes transformed drastically over the years, culminating in the establishment of a vast and shadowy empire allegedly built on unlawful conversions and laundered foreign funds.
Officials claim that Shah’s criminal operations expanded over a 15-year period, evolving from small-scale spiritual dealings into a full-fledged illegal syndicate with nationwide reach.
The network is accused of orchestrating religious conversions through coercive means, including the use of foreign funding, psychological manipulation, and fraudulent incentives.
Foreign Funding, Illegal Properties, and National Security Threat
An ED statement released on Monday revealed that their ongoing investigation had uncovered incriminating documents and financial records indicating the receipt of substantial foreign funds, which were then funneled through a maze of individuals and shell entities to purchase real estate and amass wealth under multiple aliases.
“Funds from abroad were traced to various recipients, and these were used to purchase immovable properties. Documentation suggests a deliberate attempt to disguise the origin of money and bypass legal scrutiny,” the ED stated.
In many instances, properties were acquired under the names of associates or fabricated identities. The agency noted that legal procedures are underway to attach and confiscate these illegally obtained assets.
Arrests and Expanding Investigation
The ED raids follow recent action by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which arrested several individuals linked to the conversion racket.
Just a day prior, the ATS apprehended Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay, believed to be a key accomplice in the illicit network. His arrest followed the capture of the alleged masterminds—Jalaluddin Shah and his associate Naveen Rohra—from within the state.
According to UP Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order Amitabh Yash, the syndicate deployed various unethical methods to lure people into converting, such as honey-trapping, targeting minors, exploiting widowers, and leveraging political or administrative influence.
“The gang even had ‘rate cards’ that categorized different types of conversions with specific prices. These operations were funded by foreign donors and managed through around 40 different bank accounts, making it one of the most complex religious conversion networks we’ve encountered,” said ADG Yash.
He added that the ATS and ED were working jointly to trace the financial trail and identify all properties illegally acquired through laundered money.
Many of these properties are now marked for seizure and demolition, in accordance with state laws.
Targeting the Vulnerable: A Calculated Scheme
The syndicate allegedly focused its efforts on vulnerable communities, especially young women, widowers, and economically distressed individuals.
Jalaluddin reportedly offered financial aid, marriage prospects, and housing support as incentives for conversion. In several cases, victims were misled through emotional manipulation or threats.
One official revealed that many women were lured with the false promise of better lives or jobs, only to be converted under duress.
“Chhangur Baba exploited his reputation as a spiritual healer to gain the trust of people before introducing them into his illegal network,” said a senior officer involved in the investigation.
Moreover, Shah’s closest female associate, Nasreen alias Neetu, played a key role in targeting and recruiting new converts. She is now in custody and is being interrogated to unearth further details about the organizational structure and international funding links.
Legal Action Underway, Network Under Surveillance
With arrests made and properties being mapped, state authorities are working around the clock to dismantle the syndicate’s remaining operations. The ED and ATS have vowed to bring every individual involved to justice and are coordinating with central agencies to trace the overseas origins of the illicit funds.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Ahmed, another individual believed to have played a strategic role in the racket, has also been named in the case. Officials say efforts are underway to detain him and expand the investigation further.
The entire operation underscores the rising concerns around covert religious conversions, national security vulnerabilities, and financial crimes intertwined with foreign interference. The UP government has pledged strong action and policy-level reforms to prevent such activities in the future.
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