ED Conducts Raids in U.P. and Mumbai Over Religious Conversion Case Involving Chhangur Baba

Fast Summary

• Enforcement Directorate (ED) Raids: On July 17, 2025, the ED conducted raids in multiple locations across Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged religious conversion racket involving Jalaluddin alias ‘Chhangur baba.’
• Locations Searched: Raids began early morning at 14 premises-12 in Balrampur district (U.P.) and two in Mumbai-under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Security was provided by CRPF personnel.
• Racket Details: Jalaluddin, originally named Karimulla Shah, was identified as the mastermind behind the alleged illegal religious conversion operation.He allegedly had an extensive network operating from chand Auliya Dargah in Balrampur and regularly organized gatherings involving both Indian and foreign attendees.
• Finances Investigated: Authorities revealed that ₹106 crore was collected through about 40 bank accounts primarily linked to Jalaluddin and his associates, with much of this funding purportedly coming from Middle Eastern countries.
• Arrests Made Earlier: The U.P. Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) recently arrested jalaluddin, along with his son Mehboob and associates Naveen alias Jamaluddin and neetu alias Nasreen. All were lodged in jail prior to ED’s current investigation.

Photo credit: PTI | Published on July 17, 2025

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing investigation into Jalaluddin alias ‘Chhangur baba’ highlights serious concerns regarding illegal financial transactions possibly supporting unauthorized activities like religious conversion. With ₹106 crore allegedly amassed through international connections primarily in the Middle East, this case underscores vulnerabilities within India’s financial system against illicit fund transfers linked with fraud or non-clear activities.

Moreover, the utilization of places such as Chand Auliya Dargah for organizing large gatherings indicates potential misuse of cultural or religious sites for questionable purposes-a troubling precedent if substantiated further by probe agencies. Though, these investigations remain challenging due to their cross-border implications given funding origins outside India.Neutrality is essential until conclusive evidence emerges; however, should allegations prove true under law enforcement scrutiny results might strengthen frameworks like PMLA Act enforcements long-term exposing abusive fund channeling rooted networks closed permanently Read More:<|https://www.thehindu.com