Latest news with #Balrampur-based
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Who is Chhangur Baba? ED cracks down on ₹106 crore conversion racket 'kingpin' who once sold taweez in UP
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped into the ongoing investigation against Jalaluddin Shah alias Chhangur Baba, who is accused of masterminding a large-scale religious conversion racket. Balrampur-based kingpin of illegal religious conversion racket Jalaluddin Shah alias Chhaangur Baba(X/@sanjoychakra) The preliminary findings by the probe agency point to a foreign funding of about ₹106 crore, mainly from the Middle East and illegal assets across states. Initial inputs by the ED indicate that Baba and his associates controlled around 40 bank accounts, allegedly used to receive hawala transactions and funds from Middle Eastern countries. On Wednesday, the ED's Lucknow zonal office registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. According to official sources cited by the news agency, ED is preparing to seek custodial remand of Changur Baba, whose real name is Karimulla Shah, to question him on alleged financial irregularities and foreign funding. Who is Changur Baba? The 78-year-old, who is popularly known as Changur Baba started as a taweez and gemstone seller travelling between villages on a bicycle. By 2015, he had reinvented himself as 'Peer Baba' or 'Hazrat Baba Jalaluddin', claiming to be a Sufi preacher. Also Read | From Balrampur to Pune, conversion kingpin, associates suspected to have amassed ₹300-crore properties A resident of Rehra Ma village in Balrampur, he used his rising influence to target vulnerable individuals, often widowers, with promises of support in exchange for conversion. His reach grew across Balrampur and the Indo-Nepal border region, eventually drawing attention from intelligence agencies. The name 'Changur' comes from his physical feature—six fingers on one hand—a trait that reportedly lent mystique to his image. 'Conversion factory' run from dargah A report by Hindustan Times, earlier cited investigators saying that Changur Baba operated his network from the Chand Auliya Dargah in Balrampur district, organising large religious gatherings attended by Indian and foreign nationals. 'Chhaangur Baba and his associates had travelled to different Islamic countries for over 50 times in the past few years,' a senior police official privy to the investigation said. Senior police officials revealed that Jalaluddin amassed a sprawling empire over the past decade. Properties were found in Balrampur (Uttar Pradesh), Pune (Maharashtra), and luxury vehicles linked to his name. One such property in Madhpur village, Balrampur—spread over three bighas and worth ₹3 crore—was demolished for being built illegally on gram sabha land. Through religious discourses, a book titled Shijra-e-Tayyaba, and psychological tactics, he promoted Islam while systematically inducing, coercing, and manipulating individuals of other faiths – 'particularly Hindus, Scheduled Castes, and economically disadvantaged persons – into religious conversion,' news agency PTI quoted official as saying. The ATS added that 'the poor, helpless labourers, weaker sections and widowed women were lured with incentives, financial aid, promises of marriage, or forced through intimidation.' ₹ 16 lakh for Brahmin girls Investigators discovered that the racket maintained a caste-based "rate list" for conversions. "The gang had fixed amounts for converting individuals from different castes including ₹15-16 lakh for Brahmin, Sardar, or Kshatriya girls, ₹10-12 lakh for OBC girls, and ₹8-10 lakh for girls from other castes,' an ATS officer said. In one such case, a woman named Gunja Gupta from Lucknow was allegedly lured into a relationship by an associate named Abu Ansari, who posed as 'Amit.' She was taken to Balrampur and later converted to Islam, adopting the name Aleena Ansari.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Yogi Adityanath warns anti-national elements, says won't let them divide society
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday gave a stern warning to anti-social and anti-national elements, saying his government is taking strict action against those indulging in such activities and will not allow them to divide the society. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and others during an event under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, in Azamgarh district. (PTI PHOTO) Adityanath, who led the state government's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign and planted saplings in Ayodhya, Azamgarh and Gorakhpur, was referring to the arrest of the Balrampur-based Jalaluddin Shah alias Chhaangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of illegal religious conversions. Over 37.21 crore saplings were planted on Wednesday during a mega campaign even as the chief minister said the state, which faces heatwaves, has been progressing on the path of green waves. 'We apprehended a criminal yesterday who was exploiting Hindu women and bargaining over their dignity. Such elements are now being dealt with sternly. We will not allow society to fragment and will crush all anti-national and anti-social forces,' Yogi said in Azamgarh. The chief minister used the occasion to target Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other SP leaders. He said though Azamgarh has elected many big (SP) leaders, it was the BJP which brought development to the region with the Purvanchal Expressway and educational institutions following the election of Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua. He said the double engine government (BJP governments in UP and at the Centre) has brought development while others have brought development to their family and have indulged in dividing the society. A Harishankari Vatika was set up along the expressway at Kerma village in Sathiyaon block of Azamgarh district. The district planted 60 lakh saplings. Yogi personally planted the 60th lakh sapling, said an official press release. He said despite heavy rainfall in several districts, including Ayodhya, the plantation campaign continued with great enthusiasm. 'The Earth is not merely a piece of land—in India, we share a deep spiritual bond with her. Our sages and saints have instilled in us the values that connect us to Mother Earth. If she is healthy, we are healthy; if she falls ill, it endangers all life,' he said. Describing the plantation campaign as a sacred mission, the chief minister said it aims to restore the Earth's health while preserving the cherished memory of the mother. He noted that the sapling plantation campaign began eight years ago under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance as a response to climate change and extreme weather. 'Since then, Uttar Pradesh has planted over 204 crore saplings. Both national and international institutions now recognise that forest cover in U.P. is increasing. In 2017, U.P's forest cover was just 9%. Today, it has increased to 10%.' He urged the people to take saplings from the forest department and plant them. 'Do plant one tree in your mother's name, upload a selfie, and you may also win a prize,' he said. He also informed the public about the Carbon Credit initiative being promoted by the government. He thanked the Azamgarh administration and acknowledged the support of public representatives and citizens in taking up the revival of the Tamsa river. He highlighted the mythological importance of this river and the nearby ashrams, and said that this campaign is not only about environmental revival, but also about preserving heritage. He praised the integration of river rejuvenation with plantation efforts as a commendable model. In Ayodhya, he said with the plantation of 204 crore saplings in eight years, an additional 5 lakh acre area has been added to forest cover in the state. Pointing out that trees are vital for shade, fruits, soil conservation, and pollution control, he said the state's farmers are also being benefited with the plantation drive. This movement is a pledge to improve the present and safeguard the future, as trees offer protection against pollution, respiratory ailments and the harmful effects of carbon emissions, he said. Adityanath said uRs 42 lakh in carbon credits will be distributed among farmers across seven commissionerates. Yogi planted saplings of banyan, neem, and peepal at Triveni Vatika on the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya, dedicating them to Lord Ram, Mother Earth and all mothers. Addressing a public gathering at Rampur Halwara, he emphasised the initiative's vital role in tackling climate change and promoting environmental conservation. He said 75% of the saplings planted in the past campaigns have survived and the plantation mega campaign is a resolution to improve the present and secure the future. Observing that Ayodhya is now returning to the glory of Treta Yuga, he said this initiative not only helps in purifying the environment, but also plays a critical role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. He cited a recent example from Texas, USA, where many children reportedly went missing due to sudden flooding. He emphasised that sustainable development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand, which can be achieved through planned and scientific interventions. Quoting scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose, he affirmed that trees possess life and serve vital functions, providing shade, fruits, conserving soil, and reducing pollution. He cited the Vedic verse 'Mata Bhoomi: Putroham Prithivyaah', meaning, 'The Earth is my mother, and I am her son.' He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership in environmental protection and referred to the initiatives like replacing traditional stoves with LPG cylinders and banning single-use plastics have been crucial in safeguarding Mother Earth. The chief minister presented drumstick (sahjan) saplings to Zero Poverty scheme beneficiaries Amarjeet, Rinku Devi, Sonmati Devi, Budhiram and Anita Devi, on the occasion. He also gifted saplings and chocolates to students: Deepak Chauhan and Amrita Yadav of Class 7 and Shweta Maurya, Shakeena, and Mohini Rajbhar of Class 8.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Religious conversion racket: Dist admn begins razing bungalow of kingpin, aides in Balrampur
The Balrampur administration initiated the demolition of a sprawling bungalow constructed on main Utraula-Mankapur Road, on Tuesday, after issuing three notices regarding illegal construction done on government land, local authorities confirmed. Jalaluddin Shah alias Chhangur Baba (HT File Photo) The move follows the arrest of Balrampur-based religious conversion racket kingpin, Jalaluddin Shah alias Chhangur Baba and his close accomplice, Neetu Naveen Rohra, alias Nasreen. The authorities said the action was taken in the presence of a heavy police force and administrative officials, with five bulldozers deployed for the operation. Balrampur additional SP Vishal Pandey said, 'The entire demolition process will take at least two - three days to complete. The demolition began today at 10 am and continued till late in the evening.' Meanwhile, barricading was done around the property to avoid locals gathering during the demolition process. The property, located in Madhpur village under Utraula tehsil, was built on Gram Sabha land listed as Gata number 337/370. 'Our government is fully committed to the dignity and security of our sisters and daughters. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the activities of the accused, Jalaluddin, are not only anti-social but also anti-national. The Uttar Pradesh government will not show any leniency in maintaining law and order. The properties of the accused and all the criminals associated with his gang will be confiscated, and strict legal action will be taken against them,' chief minister Yogi Adityanath posted on X on Tuesday, while reacting to the Balrampur action, adding, ' There is no place in the state for those who disrupt peace, harmony, and women's safety. They will be given such punishment according to the law that it will set an example for society'. The palatial bungalow, spread over nearly three bighas and estimated to be worth over ₹3 crore, had extensive living facilities for over 50 people and was equipped with CCTV surveillance systems. Moreover, iron fencing was done on the wall raised around the sprawling campus and electric current was run at night so that no one could breach the campus. The notice stated that the property was in the name of Neetu Naveen Rohra, wife of Naveen Rohra. A senior police official said that Neetu alias Nasreen was arrested along with Jalaluddin Shah by UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Saturday in connection with the case registered under sections 121A, 153A, 417, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3, 5(1), 5(2), 5(3), and 8(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 in October 2024. He said Neetu alias Nasreen and her husband Naveen Rohra alias Jamaluudin and their minor daughter, who were originally Sindhis, were residents of Mumbai and they shifted to Balrampur after embracing Islam a few years ago. Naveen Rohra was arrested by UP ATS on charges of religious conversion on April 8 earlier this year. 'Three notices were issued to Neetu Naveen Rohra by the office of Utraula Tehsildar, Satyapal Prajapati. The first notice was issued on May 17, the second notice was issued on June 17 and the third notice was served on July 7 (Monday). The demolition process on encroachment was initiated on Tuesday after getting no reply from the illegal occupants,' said Balrampur district magistrate (DM), Pawan Agarwal. Balrampur superintendent of police (SP), Vikas Kumar, said the police force has been asked to remain on alert to avert any possible trouble by supporters of Chhangur Baba.
