Latest news with #Nasreen
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
'I am innocent. I don't know anything': Chhangur Baba breaks silence as ATS probes conversion syndicate; Rs 100 crore property trail under scannerluck
NEW DELHI: 'I am innocent. I don't know anything,' said Jamaluddin alias Chhangur Baba as he and his aide Nasreen were escorted from the Community Health Centre in Lucknow following a medical examination on Thursday. The duo is in seven-day custody of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in connection with a high-profile case of alleged illegal religious conversions. Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of the conversion syndicate, and Nasreen were arrested for their suspected involvement in orchestrating unlawful conversions across state borders. As per the ATS sources, the probe has now taken investigators to Maharashtra and several districts along the Indo-Nepal border. A team led by a deputy superintendent of police has been dispatched to Maharashtra to trace over Rs 100 crore worth of properties allegedly linked to Chhangur Baba's network. These assets, including high-value real estate in Pune, are suspected to have been acquired or encroached upon via benami transactions. A disputed land deal involving Sangita Devi, the wife of a Balrampur court clerk, is also under scrutiny as part of a profit-sharing arrangement linked to the syndicate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Redefine Your Future with a Top Online MBA SRM Online Enquire Now Undo The ATS, in coordination with Maharashtra Police, is currently verifying property records and questioning individuals associated with Chhangur Baba's operations in Nagpur. One key figure under the scanner is Idul Islam, described as Baba's right-hand man in Maharashtra. Islam, who reportedly holds significant political sway, is accused of running an NGO allegedly used as a front for conducting illegal religious conversions. He is one of the named accused in the FIR registered in Lucknow. The investigation has also brought into focus Ramzan from Gonda, another accused in the case. Known to function as a middleman, Ramzan is suspected of recruiting vulnerable individuals for conversion and maintaining links with operatives in districts bordering Nepal. A senior ATS officer said teams will be visiting Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj. 'We have credible inputs of associates of Baba operating from these regions,' the officer added. Meanwhile, Chhangur Baba and Nasreen continue to face questioning over their financial transactions, alleged property acquisitions, and the wider operational framework of the syndicate.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Boon Fulfilled, How Mumbai's Neetu Rohra Became Changur Baba's 'Shadow' Nasreen
Changur Baba was introduced to Nasreen and her husband, a well-to-do Sindhi couple, as a 'Peer' when the couple had trouble conceiving The conversion racket and anti-national activities orchestrated by Changur Baba, alias Jamaluddin, who was arrested from UP's Balrampur, may have confounded security agencies, but it his partner Nasreen's involvement that has truly intrigued investigators. Nasreen followed Changur Baba like a shadow in the last few years, and the 40-room mansion, which was razed by the government recently, was also registered in her name. Changur would carry out major financial dealings in Nasreen's name and the duo even lived in the same room in a small hotel in Lucknow for 70 days. Police sources say Nasreen was earlier known as Neetu Naveen Rohra and lived with her husband Naveen Rohra in Mumbai. They were a fairly well-off Sindhi family but Neetu had troubles conceiving. It was this desperation that made the couple get in touch with Changur Baba. Changur, who was a small-time peddler of rings and lockets, was presented to the couple as an accomplished Peer. He started visiting the couple's house in Mumbai and gave Neetu some rings and lockets, soon after which she had a child. As the couple became his ardent followers, Changur converted them and gave Neetu the new name of Nasreen, while Naveen became Jalaluddin. Investigators say Changur then used much of their money to create his base in Balrampur in the initial stages. It was later that he created a following of his own and started getting donations locally and huge funds from abroad. Locals in Balrampur who have observed Changur Baba's activities say Nasreen lived with him permanently and was actively involved in brainwashing girls who would come to their centre. Locals say whenever Changur stepped out of his compound, it was Naveen who would drive their SUV while Nasreen would sit with Changur at the back. She always carried his 'paan" and also handed over the spitoon to him at regular intervals when he wanted to spit out betel juice. Changur would give the couple's example to other potential converts, pointing out how a well-to-do couple from Mumbai had converted to Islam after witnessing his powers. They were presented as a trophy of his special powers and to motivate others to follow Changur and convert to Islam. The racket was thriving till the time police arrested Changur's son Mehboob and Naveen. An alert Changur managed to evade the police net and arrived in Lucknow on April 17. He lived in Lucknow for more than 70 days with Nasreen and had started targeting some young girls for conversion until he was finally caught. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 15:53 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- News18
How Chhangur Baba 'Converted' Non-Muslims? 'Miraculous' Tactics Explained As 'Followers Stay Mum'
Chhangur Baba News: As UP Anti-Terrorism Squad prepares to extract more details about the conversion racket, News18 tries to answer some of the key questions. The arrest of Balrampur native Jamaluddin alias Chhangur alias Jhangur Baba has sent shockwaves across the country after the mass illegal religious conversion came to light. The 'baba', according to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP-ATS), targeted women from non-Muslim communities and even maintained a ' rate list" for their conversions. Chhangur, along with his 'close aide' Neetu alias Nasreen, allegedly converted over 3,000 to 4,000 Hindus. It is suspected that of these, more than 1,500 victims were women, a report in Amar Ujala stated. How Did The Conversion Racket Begin? How Did They Attract People To Convert To Islam? Chhangur, originally from Rehra Mafi under Balrampur district, was living in Madhpur village of Utraula for over a decade. He was once a petty gemstone and ring seller who frequented Mumbai's Haji Ali Dargah. According to reports, his fortunes rose dramatically around 2020. Local residents said that Jamaluddin transformed from a trader to a self-styled 'pir' and spiritual guide with a sudden rise in wealth and status. A report by Aaj Tak stated that after gaining trust of people as a 'pir and spiritual guide", he made them believe that he has miraculous healing power. Once conviced by his 'miracles', his 'followers' were slowly brainwashed and forced to convert to Islam. The report further stated that Chhangur baba has such strong impact on people who consider him 'ruhani baba' or messiah that none of them are ready to speak against him, despite the revelations by ATS. The report quoted sources in ATS as saying that Chhangur baba had already worked on the entire plan to build a 'Dawa Kendra' on the Indo-Nepal border. Funding for the venture had also started coming from abroad. Not only this, under his leadership, some followers and relatives had started public programs in several cities to convert people to Islam. Two years ago, a case was also registered against some of his relatives in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh for illegal conversion. Chhangur and Nasreen, however, have not confessed to the crime or given details about the racket. The special court for ATS cases has allowed the police custody remand of the two accused till July 16 evening. During this period, the officers will try to find out the purpose of his conversion activities, his associates/financiers and Nasreen's exact role. A Hindustan Times report quoted a source in ATS as saying that Chhangur and Nasreen will also be brought face to face for interrogation and there will be a separate list of common questions to be asked from them together. Chhangur had illegally built a luxurious house on government property, which has been razed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The officials were shocked when, inside the mansion, they found luxurious tiles and imported marble, a 15×15 feet modern kitchen, plush sofas, imported furniture, 10 CCTV cameras, a 500-meter private driveway and an electrified perimeter wall to prevent trespassing. According to the Aaj Tak report, Spanish oil imported from Dubai and medicines to increase physical strength along with foreign detergents, perfumes, food items were also found. A Times of India report stated that due to the strong structure of the mansion, the demolition took several hours and is expected to continue for two to three more days. The encroachments reportedly include an illegally built college, hospital, and madrassa — spanning three to six bighas of land. Aaj Tak report stated that a secret control room was also found inside the bungalow, from which the CCTV cameras of the entire house were monitored. Baba's bedroom was also a kind of operation room, where every person entering was recorded. ATS has also recovered some sensitive documents from his room. The HT report quoted an ATS officer as saying that during questioning of the two accused, a lot more details are likely to come out. 'The involvement of different people, including government officials, having connivance with the accused in the past years in grabbing government land is also likely to be exposed," an officer was quoted. Further, a report in Dainik Jagran mentioned about the Maharashtra connection of the conversion syndicate. Through his 'follower' Naveen Rohra, Chhangur Baba reportedly purchased 204187.5 sq. ft. land in Maval tehsil of Pune for Rs 16 crore. The role of Idul Islam, a resident of Nagpur (Maharashtra), an active member of the gang, has also come to light in the purchase and sale of disputed lands, the Dainik Jagran report stated. ATS is searching for other members of the gang. Evidence of foreign funding has also been gathered in the investigation of various bank accounts, the report further mentioned. Who Is Naveen Rohra Through Whom Chhangur Baba Bought Land In Maharashtra? Chhangur Baba's name in fact surfaced prominently when Mumbai-based businessman Naveen Rohra, his wife Neetu, and their daughter allegedly underwent religious conversion under his influence. Post-conversion, the couple adopted Muslim names — Jamaluddin and Nasreen—and moved in with Chhangur Baba in Utraula, reportedly allowing him to use their luxury vehicles. view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 06:35 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
UP ‘Love Jihad' Kingpin In 7-Day ATS Remand, Bulldozers ‘Converting' Rs 3-Cr Mansion Into Dust
Reported By : Oliver Fredrick Edited By: Last Updated: July 11, 2025, 06:30 IST Under tight police security, teams from the Balrampur district administration and ATS razed portions of a three-acre estate situated on the busy Utraula-Mankapur road. (Image/News18) In what is being described as one of the most massive demolition actions by the state in recent times, bulldozers roared for the third straight day through a sprawling, fortress-like mansion owned by Jalaluddin, alias Jhangur Baba—the alleged mastermind of a vast religious conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh. Under tight police security, teams from the Balrampur district administration and ATS razed portions of a three-acre estate situated on the busy Utraula-Mankapur road. The Rs 3-crore mansion, consisting of over 70 rooms, private roads, electric fencing, and even a stable, served as the epicentre of what officials say was a nationwide network that operated under the guise of spiritual healing but was actively involved in grooming, blackmail, and forced conversions of Hindu girls. By Thursday afternoon, over 1.5 lakh quintals of debris had been hauled away. Officials, visibly grappling with the scale of the operation, said that over 1,500 sq ft of illegal construction—including an administrative block of a still-under-construction degree college, a hospital structure, and a 50×20 ft stable—had been demolished. Several heavy-duty pillars were also brought down. UP Government's Stand: 'War Against Radicalism' 'This is a war against radical elements who manipulate faith and women for money and ideology. We will destroy their illegal empires, brick by brick," UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath said while speaking in Azamgarh. Referring to Jhangur Baba as a 'jallad" (executioner), the CM vowed to crush all such networks working against national integrity. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak called the accused a disgrace to society and said that the state would leave no stone unturned in bringing down such networks. Meanwhile, UP ADG (Law & Order) and ATS chief Amitabh Yash confirmed, 'We have secured a 7-day remand of Jhangur Baba and his associate Neetu alias Nasreen. ATS is questioning them regarding foreign funding, network spread, and benami assets. The ED has been given a copy of the FIR." Arrest After Months of Surveillance Jhangur Baba was arrested in Lucknow on July 5 along with Nasreen, following months of surveillance and raids. He had been underground since November 2024, when the ATS filed a detailed FIR implicating him, his son Mehmood, and eight others in a complex scheme of religious conversions aided by foreign funds and fraudulent identities. According to ATS sources, the 50,000-rupee reward accused operated for nearly 15 years, employing grooming tactics, emotional manipulation, and coercion. Hindu girls were trapped by men posing with Hindu names and later taken to Jhangur Baba's 'dargah" for forced conversions. Victims were often rebranded with Islamic names, blackmailed, and threatened with fabricated legal cases. The 'Love Jihad" model employed by the gang included caste-based incentives funded by overseas donors. ATS officials revealed rate cards: Rs 15-16 lakh for Brahmin and Kshatriya girls, Rs 10-12 lakh for OBC girls, and Rs 8-10 lakh for others. 'This wasn't just about conversion. It was about psychological warfare and demographic manipulation," said an ATS personnel who is part of the investigation. Foreign Funding, Fake Accounts, and Luxury Assets The gang is believed to have received over Rs 100 crore through 40 fake accounts linked to Jhangur Baba and his proxies. The money was used to acquire bungalows and luxury vehicles and to build institutions like the hospital and college now being demolished. Jhangur Baba also published a controversial book titled Shijar-e-Tayyaba, which officials say was a brainwashing tool promoting religious radicalism. The text was found in multiple locations during raids, indicating it was used to condition new recruits. The ATS believes Jhangur Baba and his team travelled to Islamic countries at least 40 times in the last decade. 'The possibility of international radical links cannot be ruled out. We are working with ED, IB, and may rope in NIA for deeper investigation," ADG Amitabh Yash added. Victim Testimonies Unveil Shocking Exploitation One of the most chilling testimonies came from Gunja Gupta, who recounted being tricked by a man named Abu Ansari posing as 'Amit". She was taken to the dargah, where she was renamed Alina Ansari. 'They promised me a better life but threatened to destroy my family if I resisted," she said in her statement. Among the reconverts was a woman who alleged that another accused, Meraj Ansari, alias Rudra Sharma, forced her into marriage. 'He told my mother he could cure my father's alcoholism through Baba. But later, he forcibly married me at the dargah. I only found out his real identity later. When I resisted, he blackmailed my parents with private videos," she alleged. Her parents are currently in jail after being booked as accused in Meraj's death. Another victim, Harjeet from Balrampur, alleged that false cases were filed against him for refusing conversion. 'They offered me money and a job in Nagpur. When I refused, two fake FIRs were filed against me. I was forced to convert out of fear." 'Ghar Wapasi' Ceremony in Lucknow Meanwhile, in a recent purification ceremony in Lucknow, 15 individuals who were allegedly converted under duress reconverted to Hinduism. They were given saffron scarves and tilak by members of the Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad. Heavy police presence ensured no disruption as chants of 'Jai Shri Ram" echoed during the ceremony. Fortress-Like Mansion Comes Down Back at the demolition site, dust and debris clouded the air as machines struggled to tear down high concrete walls fitted with electric wires. Even the stables were found to house luxury fittings, and a miniature power station operated within the estate. Officials say the remaining 500 sq ft of illegal structures will be razed in the coming days. Swipe Left For Next Video View all 'We served three notices—on May 17, June 17, and July 7. No reply came from the occupants. That's why demolition was unavoidable," said Utraula Tehsildar Satyapal Prajapati. With bulldozers still working and ATS teams widening their investigation, the case of Jhangur Baba could emerge as one of the most sensational conversion rackets busted in the country in recent years. The probe continues. view comments News india UP 'Love Jihad' Kingpin In 7-Day ATS Remand, Bulldozers 'Converting' Rs 3-Cr Mansion Into Dust Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
UP conversion racket: ATS looks to trace illegal funding channels, identify benami properties
Lucknow, The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad has taken custody of Jalaluddin and his aide Nasreen to uncover the full extent of their alleged religious conversion racket, trace illegal funding channels, and identify benami properties, officials said on Thursday. UP conversion racket: ATS looks to trace illegal funding channels, identify benami properties Additional Director General Amitabh Yash told reporters that "the gang's money trail, its spread across various regions, and how illegally acquired assets were used or legitimised will be investigated". Action under the Gangsters Act and demolition of such properties will also be pursued, he said. Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad on Wednesday secured a week-long custody of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba and his associate Neetu alias Nasreen. Four people had been arrested in connection with the case. While Chhangur Baba and Nasreen were arrested last Saturday, two other co-accused, Naveen alias Jamaluddin and Jalaluddin's son Mehboob, were arrested in April. Yash, when asked how many conversions had taken place through this racket, said that since the gang had allegedly operated for over 15 years, the scale is likely to be significant. However, it was premature to state a precise number until the investigation is completed, he said. Responding to a question on why only four people had been arrested when nine names have surfaced in the case, the police officer said arrests are made only after sufficient evidence is collected against each individual. "The ATS has already arrested those against whom solid evidence was available," he said. On reports linking Jalaluddin with mafia-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who died last year, Yash said all such connections were being verified and no formal statement would be issued until confirmed. On the involvement of the Enforcement Directorate , Yash confirmed that the agency has requested a copy of the FIR from the ATS. "At this stage, we have no further information regarding a money laundering investigation from the police headquarters," he said. Investigators allege that the racket targeted poor labourers, widows, and vulnerable individuals, who were allegedly coerced, misled with financial incentives, or manipulated through marriage proposals. The case, registered at the ATS police station in Gomtinagar, Lucknow, includes charges under BNS Sections 121A , 153A , 417 , 420 , and provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
