Ongoing Action Against Changur Baba's Assets in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh administration is intensifying its crackdown on Changur Baba, an alleged leader of a conversion gang, who has been arrested by the ATS. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the government's commitment to combat anti-social elements. With assets amounting to over 1.06 billion rupees and connections to the Middle East, Changur Baba's empire is under scrutiny. The investigation reveals coercive tactics used against vulnerable groups for religious conversion. As authorities continue to dismantle his operations, the implications of this case extend beyond local concerns, raising questions about broader networks and potential links to terrorism.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2025, 14:05 IST

Crackdown on Alleged Conversion Racket

The Uttar Pradesh administration's efforts to address the assets of Changur Baba continue for the third consecutive day. He is reportedly the leader of a conversion gang and has been apprehended by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made a significant statement regarding the arrest of Changur Baba, also known as Jalaluddin, emphasizing the government's commitment to taking action against anti-social and anti-national elements.

Yogi Adityanath's Address in Azamgarh

While addressing a mega campaign titled 'One Tree for Mother' in Azamgarh, Yogi mentioned the arrest of a butcher in Balrampur who had been violating the dignity of Hindu women. He firmly stated that the government will not allow society to fracture and will eliminate anti-national and anti-social elements while also protecting Mother Earth. Changur Baba, who once sold rings and amulets on a bicycle, now possesses 1.06 billion rupees across 40 bank accounts, primarily sourced from the Middle East, along with assets worth at least 20 million.

Details of the Arrest

Changur Baba was arrested alongside his close associate Neetu, also known as Nasreen, at a hotel in Lucknow in connection with the recently uncovered conversion racket. Since then, authorities have been tightening the noose around Jamaluddin. Amitabh Yash, the Additional Director General (Law and Order), stated that the accused operated a vast network allegedly targeting girls from specific religious backgrounds with caste-based conversion rates.

Allegations of Coercion

According to a police statement, impoverished laborers, marginalized communities, and widows were coerced into conversion through inducements, financial assistance, marriage promises, or threats, violating established procedures. The Uttar Pradesh ATS is also investigating potential links between this gang and any terrorist organizations. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), which filed a case against the gang, is also conducting an investigation, while local police are looking into other individuals allegedly involved in Balrampur.

Changur Baba's Empire

Once a bicycle vendor selling rings and amulets, Changur Baba later became a village head. Documents obtained so far confirm that he has amassed 1.06 billion rupees across 40 different accounts, with all funds reportedly originating from Islamic countries in the Middle East. Residing in Rehra Mafi village, Changur Baba's empire is located in the Utraula area of Balrampur district, near the Nepal border, where he was once appointed as the head of his ancestral village.

Illegal Construction Demolished

After meeting with his current associate Neetu, he constructed a building on land adjacent to a shrine in Madhpur, about three kilometers from Rehra Mafi village. However, a government investigation deemed this construction illegal. On Wednesday, officials demolished the alleged illegal structure built on government land. The building had two sections: one where Changur Baba, his family, and associates resided, while the other section had several plans proposed but none implemented to date.