In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the alleged religious conversion and foreign funding network run by Chhangur Baba, also known as Jamaluddin, investigators have recovered a “red diary” that may prove pivotal to the case. The diary, seized by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) during a recent raid, reportedly contains the names of several politicians and former officials suspected of receiving financial support from Baba during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The revelation follows the discovery that Chhangur Baba had received foreign funding to the tune of ₹106 crore, allegedly routed through multiple bank accounts over several years. Agencies including the ATS, Special Task Force (STF), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are now closely analysing the red diary for evidence that could link Baba’s conversion racket to a wider political-financial network.
From Street Seller to Political Financier
Chhangur Baba, a resident of Rehra Mafi village in Balrampur near the Nepal border, began his career modestly — selling rings and charms on a bicycle. Over the past decade, however, he is believed to have built a multi-crore empire, largely sustained by foreign donations, particularly from Middle Eastern countries.
Investigations have revealed that Baba operated over 40 active bank accounts, through which around ₹106 crore was reportedly funneled. Authorities have also identified two properties linked to him — one in Balrampur and another in Lonavala, Maharashtra, together valued at over ₹18 crore. The Lonavala property, purchased in August 2023, was jointly registered in Baba’s name and that of an associate.
According to ED sources, the Lonavala land was sold by Mohammad Ahmed Khan, a name that also appears in financial transactions flagged during the probe, NDTV reported.
Political Connections Under Scanner
What has raised further concern is the content of the red diary, which allegedly names at least half a dozen politicians believed to have received cash from Chhangur Baba. One entry reportedly records a ₹90 lakh payment to a former Utraula constituency candidate during the 2022 Assembly elections. Although the candidate lost, the diary suggests Baba was planning to support a former IPS officer for the 2027 elections from the same seat.
Investigators believe Chhangur Baba played an active role in electoral campaigns across Balrampur and neighbouring constituencies, not just through financial contributions but also by mobilising his followers during both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Photographs circulating online have earlier shown Chhangur Baba with gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in 2023 — further complicating the investigation.
Religious Conversion, Foreign Funds, and ED Raids
On July 5, Chhangur Baba was arrested from a hotel in Lucknow, along with an associate named Neetu alias Nasreen. He is accused of orchestrating a systematic campaign of illegal religious conversions, targeting economically vulnerable groups, including daily wage labourers, widows, and Scheduled Castes. According to investigators, he allegedly used cash, coercion, promises of marriage, and foreign-funded incentives to lure individuals into converting.
An initial FIR was filed by the STF in Balrampur, while the Enforcement Directorate followed up with its own investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), beginning July 9.
The ED is now probing whether foreign funds were routed through shell companies or third-party organisations, including entities possibly in violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
On July 17, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at 14 locations — 12 in Utraula and two in Mumbai — as part of its widening investigation.
Illegal Property Demolished in Madhupur
Meanwhile, local authorities have begun dismantling parts of a commercial complex built illegally in Madhupur village, located just 3 km from Chhangur Baba’s native village. According to official records, the land was government-owned, and the building — outfitted with 15 CCTV cameras and guarded by two trained dogs — had long been under surveillance.
Officials believe the premises were used to coordinate conversion activities, and the demolition is being seen as part of a broader crackdown on assets acquired through illicit foreign funds.
