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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a significant money laundering investigation into the activities of Chhangur Baba, also known as Karimulla Shah, in Uttar Pradesh. This probe stems from allegations of an extensive illegal religious conversion network and the accumulation of substantial illicit wealth. Authorities claim that Chhangur Baba amassed assets exceeding Rs 100 crore in just a few years, allegedly through foreign funding and fraudulent practices aimed at promoting mass religious conversions. The investigation specifically focuses on his targeting of Scheduled Castes and economically disadvantaged communities, raising serious concerns about exploitation and societal disruption. The ED's involvement underscores the gravity of the situation, as it indicates a belief that the funds involved were derived from criminal activity and laundered to conceal their origins.
The investigation was formally initiated on July 9 with the registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) following a detailed complaint filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The ATS's complaint likely contained substantial evidence supporting the allegations against Chhangur Baba and his network. The ED is now scrutinizing money laundering offenses related to the alleged conversion racket, which authorities believe was orchestrated from the premises of the Chand Auliya Dargah. This location serves as a focal point of the investigation, suggesting it may have been used as a base of operations for the alleged illegal activities. The use of a religious site for such purposes further exacerbates the severity of the accusations.
The case file outlines a disturbing pattern of manipulation and coercion. According to investigators, Chhangur Baba employed religious discourses, psychological manipulation, and the distribution of a book titled 'Shijra-e-Tayyaba' to influence individuals and promote Islam, particularly among Hindus and underprivileged communities. This suggests a deliberate strategy to exploit vulnerabilities and target specific demographics for conversion. The use of literature to propagate religious ideology and encourage conversions raises questions about the content of the book and its potential to incite religious discord or promote harmful narratives. The allegations of psychological manipulation are particularly concerning, as they indicate an attempt to undermine the free will and autonomy of potential converts.
The ED's investigation has uncovered an extensive network involving both Indian and foreign nationals. Chhangur Baba reportedly organized large gatherings at the Dargah and utilized foreign contributions, primarily from the Middle East, to expand his operations. The involvement of foreign nationals and the influx of foreign funds raise national security concerns and highlight the potential for external influence in the alleged conversion racket. The source and purpose of these foreign contributions are under intense scrutiny as investigators seek to determine whether they were legitimately intended for charitable purposes or were knowingly used to fund illegal activities. The scale and international reach of the network suggest a sophisticated and well-organized operation.
Chhangur Baba and his associate, Neetu alias Nasreen, were arrested by the ATS on July 5 from a hotel in Lucknow. They are currently in custody until July 16. The arrest of these individuals marks a significant step in the investigation and allows authorities to further interrogate them and gather evidence. According to officials, Chhangur Baba maintained 40 bank accounts containing Rs 106 crore, with the majority of the funds traced to Gulf nations. This substantial sum of money underscores the scale of the alleged financial crimes and the potential for money laundering. The fact that the funds are traced to Gulf nations further reinforces the concerns about foreign involvement and the potential for external influence.
The ED has requested detailed information from the ATS and the District Magistrate of Balrampur, including certified FIR copies, a list of associated entities, bank account data, and records of movable and immovable assets. This comprehensive request demonstrates the ED's commitment to thoroughly investigating all aspects of the alleged crimes. Emails have also been sent to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) cells of concerned banks to collect account statements, indicating a focus on tracing the flow of funds and identifying potential money laundering activities. The cooperation of various government agencies and financial institutions is crucial to the success of the investigation.
The district administration has initiated demolition proceedings against illegally constructed properties linked to Chhangur Baba and his aides, including parts of his residence in Madhupur and other assets. This action sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated and that those involved will face consequences. Investigations have revealed that he purchased land and built residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the Bahraich-Balrampur region without the required land-use conversion approvals, further demonstrating a disregard for the law and a willingness to engage in illegal practices.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS had previously uncovered what it described as a large-scale unlawful conversion racket. Police sources claim that Chhangur Baba is accused of converting over 1,500 Hindu women and thousands of other non-Muslims to Islam through coercion and inducement. These allegations, if proven true, would represent a significant breach of religious freedom and a serious violation of human rights. The sheer number of alleged conversions underscores the scale of the alleged operation and the potential for societal impact.
Originally from Madhpur village in Balrampur district, Chhangur Baba allegedly targeted poor, widowed, and vulnerable individuals, using a combination of threats and allurements. This targeting of vulnerable populations raises ethical concerns and highlights the potential for exploitation. The use of threats and allurements suggests a deliberate strategy to manipulate individuals into converting against their will. The ATS investigation was triggered by credible intelligence about his operations, indicating that authorities had been monitoring his activities for some time. Many alleged victims remain hesitant to come forward, likely due to fear of retaliation or social stigma. Officials have stated that his network expanded across Indian states and reached international locations, including Dubai, further highlighting the scale and complexity of the alleged operation.
Chhangur Baba also reportedly ran conversion-linked activities from Dargahs in Maharashtra, particularly around Mumbai, using ring sales as a front for outreach. This indicates that his activities were not limited to Uttar Pradesh and that he had established a presence in other states as well. The use of ring sales as a front for outreach suggests an attempt to conceal the true nature of his activities and to avoid scrutiny from authorities. During annual Urs gatherings at Chand Auliya Dargah, he allegedly hosted foreign guests and lured attendees into conversion programs, demonstrating a pattern of exploiting religious events to promote his agenda.
Investigators claim that Chhangur Baba aimed to establish Islamic Dawah centers and madrasas in Balrampur and surrounding areas to change the region's demographic profile. This alleged goal raises concerns about the potential for social and religious tensions and the deliberate attempt to alter the character of the region. Authorities further claim that he bribed local police and intelligence officers to avoid scrutiny and used false cases to silence dissenters, demonstrating a pattern of corruption and intimidation. These allegations, if proven true, would represent a serious breach of public trust and a threat to the rule of law.
Chhangur Baba's son, Naveen alias Jamaluddin, and another associate, Mehboob, had already been arrested and remain in Lucknow District Jail. Naveen allegedly used funds from Dubai to purchase land and held an account in a Swiss bank. The involvement of his son and other associates suggests a family enterprise and a coordinated effort to facilitate the alleged illegal activities. The existence of a Swiss bank account further reinforces the concerns about money laundering and the concealment of illicit funds. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are expected to join the investigation to trace the foreign fund routes. This underscores the national security implications of the case and the need for a coordinated effort to uncover the full extent of the network.
ATS officials are examining digital devices seized from Chhangur Baba to uncover records of international transactions and details of his wider network. The examination of these devices is crucial to identifying potential accomplices and tracing the flow of funds. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has described Chhangur Baba's activities as not just anti-social but anti-national, indicating the seriousness with which the state government views the case. The state government has already demolished his Balrampur residence using bulldozers, demonstrating a strong stance against illegal activities. Officials also stated that a minor girl - the daughter of Naveen and Neetu - was allegedly converted in Dubai, though official records still show her as Hindu, possibly to evade legal consequences. This allegation, if proven true, would represent a particularly egregious violation of human rights and raise serious concerns about the exploitation of children.
In conclusion, the investigation into Chhangur Baba and his alleged illegal religious conversion network presents a complex web of financial crimes, exploitation, and potential threats to national security. The involvement of multiple government agencies, including the ED, ATS, IB, and NIA, underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. The allegations of coercion, manipulation, and foreign funding raise serious concerns about religious freedom, human rights, and the potential for external influence in India. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the fight against money laundering, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the preservation of social harmony.
Source: Manipulated Hindus, threat to national security: ED probes UP's Chhangur Baba