Chhangur Baba Case New Details: ‘Pastors Involved Too'. They ‘Eyed' Dalits & Poor, Then Gave Money
To influence underprivileged families, Chhangur Baba would allegedly first offer small amounts of cash (Rs 100 to Rs 200 per day) along with basic jobs.
Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, was arrested in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, over allegations of illegal religious conversions. As the investigation progresses, new details continue to emerge which shed light on how wide the network allegedly was and the methods used to target people from underprivileged backgrounds.
According to a report in Amar Ujala, the network allegedly focused on poor families. Authorities claim that people were influenced through money, land benefits and promises of a better life.
Conversion Tactics
As per Amar Ujala, to influence people, Chhangur Baba would first offer small amounts of cash (Rs 100 to Rs 200 per day) along with basic jobs like cleaning or caring for animals at his residence. He then gradually pressured them to convert. Two accused, Mehboob and Naveen Rohra, were said to be in charge of this part of the operation, which generated income while expanding the reach of the network.
The report mentioned that a man named Sanchit, who worked as a cleaner for Chhangur, claimed that he was offered Rs 5 lakh to convert. When he refused, he was falsely implicated in a rape case, according to Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) statement as cited in the report.
Chhangur had also purchased land in at least six locations within Utraula, as per the report. He developed two complexes and was involved in land plotting. The profits from these ventures were used to fund conversion activities.
Collaboration With Christian Missionaries
One of the more serious claims highlighted in the report involves links between Chhangur and Christian missionaries operating in seven districts near the Nepal border. The pastors were allegedly paid to provide details of Dalits, underprivileged, seriously ill and economically weak people of the selected areas. These individuals were then approached with help offers, financial support and the promise of improved living standards.
The report mentions that missionaries in Devipatan Mandal had assigned preachers based on caste and community. It made it easier to gain trust and push for conversions.
The Strategy
Investigators claim that Chhangur often used accused Neetu (alias Nasreen) and her husband Naveen (alias Jalaluddin) as examples to persuade others. He would reportedly tell Hindu families how the couple, originally Sindhi, became wealthy and successful after accepting Islam, owning a house, car and enjoying a better lifestyle.
Nasreen allegedly managed the records of expenses incurred for conversions. Naveen, on the other hand, handled local administration and police coordination.
'Mission Abaad'
Former Intelligence Bureau officer Santosh Singh, quoted in the report, described Chhangur Baba as a 'link" in the larger 'Mission Abaad" network. He said that this mission aimed to increase the population of certain groups in Terai and Madhesh regions between India and Nepal. Singh mentioned that some efforts were being made to bring in people from Assam and West Bengal under the pretext of education.
ED Tightens Financial Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expanding its financial investigation in the case. As per the sources, ED is examining the last 10 years of Income Tax returns for 40 entities reportedly created by the group. These are suspected to be shell companies used for routing illegal funds.
Over 100 bank accounts have been identified and bank statements are being collected. The agency has reportedly traced six overseas accounts with significant funds transferred from Arab nations.
Sources said that all properties, assets and linked entities are under review. The ED is preparing to seek custody of Chhangur and may initiate action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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First Published:
July 13, 2025, 07:00 IST
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