Uttar Pradesh ATS Secures Custody of Alleged Illegal Conversion Racket Suspects

Custody Granted for Suspects in Conversion Case

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh has obtained a week-long custody of Jalaluddin, also known as Changur Baba, and Neetu, alias Nasreen, who were arrested last week in connection with an alleged illegal conversion racket operating in Balrampur district.

According to a statement released by the Uttar Pradesh police, the NIA court has remanded both suspects into ATS custody from July 10 to July 16. This development follows directives from the state's Director General of Police, Rajeev Krishna, to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire conversion network.

Jalaluddin and Nasreen were apprehended on July 5 from Madhpur village in Balrampur. Jalaluddin, identified as the mastermind behind the conversion gang, had a non-bailable warrant issued against him, along with a reward of ₹50,000 for his capture. Initially, both suspects were held at the Lucknow district jail.

The case, registered at the ATS police station in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, includes charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, such as 121A (waging war against the state), 153A (promoting enmity), 417 (cheating), 420 (fraud), and provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

The allegations suggest that the accused orchestrated a systematic campaign to convert individuals from Hindu and non-Muslim communities. Victims, including the poor, laborers, widows, and vulnerable individuals, were reportedly coerced and misled through inducements.

Two other co-accused, Naveen, also known as Jamaluddin, and Mahboob, were arrested in April and are currently incarcerated in Lucknow jail.