LUCKNOW: Indian authorities have launched a high-level investigation into a self-styled godman accused of orchestrating a large-scale religious conversion racket allegedly funded by foreign sources. Jalaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh following claims that he received over ₹500 crore ($60 million) from Muslim countries in the past three years to facilitate conversions of Hindu women, state officials said.
Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Chhangur Baba and his close associate Neetu, also known as Nasreen, who allegedly managed foreign funding. The two have been placed in seven-day custody, while the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have joined the probe to track the flow of money and investigate potential links to foreign entities. According to ATS sources, the accused channelled funds through the Indo-Nepal border to operatives in seven districts across the state. Payments were allegedly made to Muslim men tasked with luring Hindu women into conversion through deceitful relationships, a practice referred to as “love jihad” by right-wing groups, though the term remains controversial and lacks legal recognition. Authorities said Chhangur Baba used his son Mehboob’s bank account to purchase land and carry out large transactions. Mehboob and another aide, Naveen alias Jamaluddin, were previously arrested and remain in judicial custody in Lucknow.
Investigators are examining financial records tied to the accused and are probing possible overseas accounts in Sharjah, Dubai and other parts of the UAE. In a separate action, a ₹5 crore ($600,000) mansion allegedly built by Chhangur on encroached government land in Balrampur was demolished earlier this week. The 40-room structure, complete with a marble security gate, was razed over three days using 10 bulldozers, local officials confirmed. The case has sparked fresh debate over foreign funding and the misuse of religious identity for criminal purposes. Authorities said further arrests and asset seizures are likely as the investigation continues.
