Chhangur Baba’s Financial Empire Exposed: ED Finds Rs 68 Crore in 18 Bank Accounts

The Enforcement Directorate has uncovered Rs 68 crore in 18 bank accounts linked to self-styled godman Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, accused of running a large-scale illegal religious conversion network across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. The revelation comes amid an intensified crackdown by the Uttar Pradesh government, with officials alleging that Chhangur Baba received nearly Rs 500 crore in foreign funding over three years to fuel the suspected conversion racket.

According to sources, the ED found that around Rs 7 crore was transferred from foreign sources into these accounts within just three months. The probe has identified 30 suspected bank accounts so far, with details from 18 accessed, revealing transactions part of a larger financial web allegedly connected to illegal conversions.

Officials said the ED is also examining property records and income tax returns related to Chhangur Baba, who was arrested on Saturday from Balrampur along with his aide Neetu alias Nasreen. Both were remanded to Lucknow District Jail following court proceedings under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad has exposed a coded communication system allegedly used by Chhangur Baba to operate the racket. Sources in ATS revealed that terms like “project” were used for identifying targeted women, while “mitti palatna” referred to conversion, “kajal karna” indicated mental manipulation, and “deedar” meant orchestrated meetings.

The ED and ATS claim Chhangur Baba operated his network from the Chand Auliya Dargah while allegedly holding over 100 bank accounts across India and Nepal. Investigators believe the funding originated from Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, with Rs 300 crore allegedly routed through illegal channels via Nepal’s border districts such as Kathmandu and Banke, and Rs 200 crore through official routes.

In a major action, a 40-room mansion worth Rs 5 crore, allegedly built illegally by Chhangur Baba in Balrampur, was demolished. Other properties in Bahraich and neighbouring districts are under investigation, with officials indicating that further action could follow based on the ongoing financial audit.

Public reactions on social media have been sharp, with many demanding stringent measures and praising the authorities for acting against illegal conversions. Others have called for a deeper probe into the network’s funding sources and political connections.

The case was registered at Gomtinagar police station, and officials say further arrests and property seizures are likely as the investigation progresses