Converting Non-Muslims Was His Business — Inside The Shocking Mass Conversion Racket Of 'Chhangur Baba'
'Chhangur Baba' was allegedly running a mass religious conversion racket. Over 4,000 were allegedly converted. An investigation has revealed links to foreign funding, illegal land deals, and more.
The recent arrest of Balrampur resident Jamaluddin, aka 'Chhangur Baba' and 'Jhangur Baba', has stirred up various sections of the society. According to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS), this self-styled godman orchestrated a massive religious conversion racket, allegedly targeting women from non-Muslim communities and even maintaining a "rate list" for these conversions.
What's more disturbing? Investigators believe he might have converted between 3,000 and 4,000 Hindus — over 1,500 of them women — with the help of his close associate, Neetu alias Nasreen, as per various media reports.
From Gemstone Seller To 'Miracle Man': Chhangur Baba's Rise
Chhangur's journey is as unusual as it is unsettling. Originally from Rehra Mafi in Balrampur district, he had been living in Utraula's Madhpur village for over a decade. Once a modest gemstone, amulet, and ring seller who frequented Mumbai's Haji Ali Dargah, his fortunes took a dramatic turn around 2020.
Hindi News website Aaj Tak, citing locals of the area, reported that he rebranded himself as a spiritual healer, gaining followers by claiming miraculous powers. As trust in him deepened, many began to view him as a 'pir' (ascetic or spiritual guru) and were gradually coerced into converting to Islam.
According to the ATS, Chhangur Baba's influence was so strong that many of his followers still revere him as a 'Ruhani Baba' or messiah. Even after his arrest, few are willing to testify against him.
Authorities also uncovered plans for a 'Dawa Kendra' — a religious conversion centre — near the Indo-Nepal border, allegedly backed by foreign funding. Under Chhangur's leadership, his followers organised public events across various cities to facilitate conversions. In fact, two years ago, some of his relatives were booked in Azamgarh for illegal conversion activities.
Probe Deepens But No Confession Yet
So far, both Chhangur and Nasreen have denied the allegations and have not revealed any details about the syndicate. However, the special court handling ATS cases has granted police custody of the duo until the evening of July 16.
During this remand period, officials intend to confront the two with a series of shared questions and probe deeper into their motives, financiers, and network of accomplices, especially Nasreen's role in the racket. Interrogating the two together, face-to-face, is also an option for the police.
What Was Found Inside His Mansion?
Chhangur lived in a lavish mansion, and as per NDTV, he has Rs 102 crore in 40 bank accounts. In a dramatic turn of events, authorities demolished Chhangur's illegally constructed mansion, which sat on encroached government land. But what lay inside left them stunned.
The palatial home boasted imported marble flooring, high-end kitchen fittings, plush furniture, and a private driveway secured by an electrified perimeter wall. There were 10 CCTV cameras, a secret control room to monitor them, and even luxury items like Spanish oil from Dubai, foreign perfumes, detergents, and medicines believed to enhance physical strength.
The demolition proved difficult, given the sheer scale and structural strength of the estate. Officials said the structure included an illegal college, madrassa, and hospital, spread across three to six bighas of land.
Several media websites, including The Times of India and Aaj Tak, also reported that several sensitive documents were seized from Chhangur's bedroom, which doubled as a nerve centre for his operations. Investigators believe that interrogation of the accused will reveal more information, including possible involvement of government officials who might have helped him in land grabbing.
Maharashtra Links: Land Deals And Connections
Chhangur's web of influence appears to stretch far beyond Uttar Pradesh. According to media reports, he purchased over 2 lakh sq ft of land in Pune's Maval tehsil for Rs 16 crore through one of his followers, Mumbai-based businessman Naveen Rohra.
It doesn't end there. Idul Islam, a Nagpur resident and alleged member of the racket, is also under investigation for his role in disputed land deals tied to the group. ATS officials claim to have uncovered evidence of foreign funding routed through multiple bank accounts connected to the syndicate.
Who Is Naveen Rohra?
The Maharashtra connection came to light when Rohra, his wife Neetu, and their daughter purportedly converted to Islam under Chhangur Baba's influence. Post-conversion, the couple changed their names to Jamaluddin and Nasreen and began living with the self-styled godman in Utraula. They also reportedly gave him access to their luxury vehicles.
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