UP ATS Probes Changur Pir Baba’s Alleged Role in Cross-Border Conversion Network, Illegal Madarsas, and Foreign Funding; CM Terms Operation ‘Anti-National’
In a case that has sent shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh and beyond, the state’s #AntiTerrorSquad (UP ATS) is now deeply investigating potential connections between Jalaluddin, more infamously known as #ChangurPirBaba, and a network of unauthorised madrasas located near the #IndiaNepal border.
The authorities suspect that these institutions, operating under the guise of religious education, were being covertly financed as part of a larger religious conversion syndicate.
Conversion Network Cloaked in Code
A key part of the ATS investigation has been the revelation that the conversion syndicate allegedly run by Changur Baba operated through a system of coded language, making it difficult to detect or intercept through conventional surveillance.
According to top ATS sources, Changur Baba and his operatives used encrypted phrases during telephonic conversations, uncovered through weeks of digital surveillance and wiretapping. Some of the deciphered terms include:
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‘#MittiPaltana’ – This phrase, which means “to turn the soil,” was allegedly used to refer to religious conversions.
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‘#Project’ – This term was used as a code for targeted girls, particularly those identified as vulnerable.
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‘#Kajal’ – In the codebook of this network, this meant mental harassment or coercion tactics employed against the girls.
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‘#Darshan’ – A seemingly spiritual word, it referred to organising physical meetings between victims and Changur Baba himself.
These encrypted terms were repeatedly found in intercepted phone calls, suggesting a highly coordinated and clandestine operation aimed at exploiting individuals under religious pretences.
Religious Front, Foreign Funds, and a Well-Oiled Syndicate
The ATS suspects that Changur Baba used religious platforms as a front to funnel foreign funds, which were then channelled into illegal conversion activities.
Several illegal madrasas, especially those in the porous regions bordering Nepal, are now under scrutiny for receiving suspicious funding and functioning without legal sanction.
According to the ATS, these religious setups were not only used for preaching but also acted as nodes in a syndicate, which allegedly encouraged coercive conversions. Youths, particularly from economically weaker sections, were allegedly offered financial incentives to take part in these activities.
Shockingly, investigators claim that Baba had even “fixed rates” for conversions, based not only on caste and religion but also on the gender of the victim, particularly targeting young girls.
This structured approach to monetising conversions has raised serious concerns about human rights violations and criminal manipulation.
Major Operation in Utraula: Documents Seized
In a significant breakthrough on Friday, July 11, UP ATS teams conducted a high-profile raid in Madhpur village, Utraula, where they searched the mansion belonging to Changur Baba.
The operation led to the seizure of critical documents, believed to contain financial records, identity details of targeted individuals, and foreign transaction evidence.
Changur Baba, currently under ATS custody until July 16, was interrogated extensively during the raid. His associate and co-accused, Neetu alias Nasreen, was also taken into custody.
The arrests were earlier made from the Alampur district on July 5, after the ATS secured a week-long remand from the NIA court.
More Arrests and Demolitions Underway
This case appears to be part of a wider and continuing crackdown.
Two other accused—Naveen alias Jamaluddin and Changur Baba’s son Mehboob—have been in judicial custody since April. Meanwhile, illegal constructions allegedly erected by the accused on government land have been demolished by local authorities as part of the probe into land encroachment and money laundering.
CM Adityanath Calls it ‘Anti-National’
Reacting to the developments, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the emerging facts point toward activities that go beyond religious impropriety and amount to acts against national interest.
Speaking at a recent public event, Adityanath stated,
“This operation was not just anti-social. It was #AntiNational. It targeted our religious harmony, our daughters, and the social fabric of India. We will not allow such conspiracies to flourish.”
The state government has expressed intent to pursue this case with zero tolerance, signalling a multi-agency crackdown involving intelligence, police, and forensic teams.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains not only on dismantling the network but also on exposing any international funding routes and bringing all culprits to justice.
