Project, kajal, deedar: Chhangur Baba's codewords for conversion revealed

India Today

18 hours ago

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered a web of coded language used by self-styled godman Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba to orchestrate a massive illegal religious conversion racket, with young women often being the primary targets.According to ATS sources, Chhangur used innocuous-sounding codewords to hide the true nature of his activities during conversations with aides. In this secret lingo, 'project' referred to the targeted girls, 'mitti palatna' meant religious conversion, and 'kajal karna' implied mentally influencing or manipulating someone. When he said 'deedar', he was referring to an arranged meeting with himself.advertisementSources say that through these coded exchanges, Chhangur Baba promised marriage and a new life post-conversion, often luring women with dreams of jobs, scholarships, or opportunities abroad. Some were even told they'd receive free education at Islamic seminaries or help to find work overseas - particularly in Gulf countries. Mentions of contacts in Nepal and the Middle East were used to build credibility and expand the network.
The revelations are part of a larger investigation into a well-funded conversion syndicate. Chhangur Baba is already under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged money laundering and accumulation of illegal wealth estimated at over Rs 100 crore. The ED believes he used foreign donations, much of it routed through illegal hawala channels via Nepal, to fund mass conversions, particularly targeting underprivileged Hindu communities.Authorities allege Chhangur Baba operated from the Chand Auliya Dargah and had opened over 100 bank accounts across India and Nepal. Nearly Rs 500 crore in foreign funding was received over three years, with Rs 300 crore allegedly funneled in illegally through border districts like Kathmandu and Banke, and Rs 200 crore verified through official routes. These funds are suspected to have come from Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE.The ATS arrested Chhangur Baba and his close aide Neetu alias Nasreen on July 5 from a hotel in Lucknow. Both remain in custody. Investigators found 40 bank accounts holding Rs 106 crore linked to Chhangur and are examining digital devices to trace his financial and communication network.The state government has begun cracking down on properties linked to the accused. A Rs 5 crore, 40-room mansion illegally built by Chhangur Baba in Balrampur was razed using bulldozers, while other assets in Bahraich and surrounding districts are also under scrutiny.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has labelled Chhangur Baba's activities as anti-national.The ATS, ED and central agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are now collaborating to map the full extent of his operation, both in India and abroad.- EndsMust Watch