In a major operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered and dismantled a sprawling illegal religious conversion network operating out of Balrampur district. Jamaluddin, widely known as “Changur Baba,” was arrested following months of surveillance. He carried a ₹50,000 reward on his head.
His associate, Neetu alias Nasreen (formerly Nusrat), was also taken into custody during the coordinated operation.
Targeted Conversions and ‘Rate Cards’ Revealed
Senior officials, including Additional Director General (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, revealed that the network primarily targeted girls from a specific religious community. Shockingly, the accused reportedly operated with caste-based “conversion rate cards,” assigning monetary value to individuals based on their caste and background.
The conversion activities were allegedly conducted through Baba’s residence and a local shrine, which functioned as recruitment and indoctrination centers.
Funding Trail Leads Overseas
Initial probes suggest that the operation received around ₹100 crore in foreign funding, allegedly from Islamic countries. The funds were reportedly used to finance illegal conversion efforts and to purchase luxury assets.
Further investigation revealed that Jamaluddin had traveled to Islamic countries over 40 to 50 times, raising suspicions about his international connections. Authorities also discovered that he operated more than 40 bank accounts, through which nearly ₹100 crore was transacted, believed to be directly linked to the religious conversion network. The ATS considers these activities highly suspicious and potentially coordinated through foreign collaborators. Shockingly, the gang had even established fixed conversion rates based on caste: ₹15–16 lakh for Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Sikh girls; ₹10–12 lakh for girls from Other Backward Classes (OBC); and ₹8–10 lakh for those from other castes. This structured rate system indicates a disturbing commodification of individuals under the guise of spiritual conversion.
From Gemstone Trader to Local Power Broker
Jamaluddin’s background adds to the intrigue. Sources told Media that he began as a gemstone trader before moving to Mumbai. There, he reportedly made influential connections, including with a wealthy Sindhi couple. His local influence in Balrampur grew over the years, leading him to contest local elections for village head and district council seats.
One of his associates, Markandey Mishra, claimed that Changur Baba enforced fixed rates for converting Hindu girls. Another aide, Mohammad Ahmed Khan, dubbed the “right hand” of Baba, is suspected of managing and safeguarding Baba’s illegally acquired properties.
Khan has multiple criminal cases lodged against him across Balrampur, Ambedkar Nagar, and Lucknow, and is under investigation for possible involvement in anti-national activities.
Luxury Assets and Political Links Under Scrutiny
Investigators found that part of the foreign funding was used to purchase a high-value property in Pune. Authorities are now examining whether political links facilitated the smooth functioning of the network.
Hotel records accessed by News18 confirmed where Jamaluddin and Neetu were hiding at the time of arrest, with evidence handed over to law enforcement.
BJP MP Alleges Vote-Bank Politics
BJP MP Dr. Nishikant Dubey alleged that the arrested duo received hundreds of crores to convert Hindus in India and Nepal. He claimed that the racket was part of a broader political conspiracy to influence demographics for vote-bank gains.
The ATS is now widening its investigation to trace the full extent of foreign funding, uncover hidden political connections, and identify other operatives involved in the conversion racket. More arrests and asset seizures are expected as the probe unfolds.