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Chhangur Baba News: As UP Anti-Terrorism Squad prepares to extract more details about the conversion racket, News18 tries to answer some of the key questions.
Under tight police security, teams from the Balrampur district administration and ATS razed portions of a three-acre estate situated on the busy Utraula-Mankapur road. (Image/News18)
The arrest of Balrampur native Jamaluddin alias Chhangur alias Jhangur Baba has sent shockwaves across the country after the mass illegal religious conversion came to light. The ‘baba’, according to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP-ATS), targeted women from non-Muslim communities and even maintained a “rate list” for their conversions.
Chhangur, along with his ‘close aide’ Neetu alias Nasreen, allegedly converted over 3,000 to 4,000 Hindus. It is suspected that of these, more than 1,500 victims were women, a report in Amar Ujala stated.
As the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad is preparing to extract more details about the conversion racket, News18 tries to answer some of the key questions.
How Did The Conversion Racket Begin? How Did They Attract People To Convert To Islam?
Chhangur, originally from Rehra Mafi under Balrampur district, was living in Madhpur village of Utraula for over a decade. He was once a petty gemstone and ring seller who frequented Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah.
According to reports, his fortunes rose dramatically around 2020. Local residents said that Jamaluddin transformed from a trader to a self-styled ‘pir’ and spiritual guide with a sudden rise in wealth and status.
A report by Aaj Tak stated that after gaining trust of people as a “pir and spiritual guide”, he made them believe that he has miraculous healing power. Once conviced by his ‘miracles’, his ‘followers’ were slowly brainwashed and forced to convert to Islam.
The report further stated that Chhangur baba has such strong impact on people who consider him ‘ruhani baba’ or messiah that none of them are ready to speak against him, despite the revelations by ATS.
The report quoted sources in ATS as saying that Chhangur baba had already worked on the entire plan to build a ‘Dawa Kendra’ on the Indo-Nepal border. Funding for the venture had also started coming from abroad.
Not only this, under his leadership, some followers and relatives had started public programs in several cities to convert people to Islam. Two years ago, a case was also registered against some of his relatives in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh for illegal conversion.
Chhangur and Nasreen, however, have not confessed to the crime or given details about the racket. The special court for ATS cases has allowed the police custody remand of the two accused till July 16 evening. During this period, the officers will try to find out the purpose of his conversion activities, his associates/financiers and Nasreen’s exact role.
A Hindustan Times report quoted a source in ATS as saying that Chhangur and Nasreen will also be brought face to face for interrogation and there will be a separate list of common questions to be asked from them together.
What Is Chhangur Baba’s Connection With Maharashtra? Why Is His House In News?
Chhangur had illegally built a luxurious house on government property, which has been razed by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The officials were shocked when, inside the mansion, they found luxurious tiles and imported marble, a 15×15 feet modern kitchen, plush sofas, imported furniture, 10 CCTV cameras, a 500-meter private driveway and an electrified perimeter wall to prevent trespassing.
According to the Aaj Tak report, Spanish oil imported from Dubai and medicines to increase physical strength along with foreign detergents, perfumes, food items were also found.
A Times of India report stated that due to the strong structure of the mansion, the demolition took several hours and is expected to continue for two to three more days.
The encroachments reportedly include an illegally built college, hospital, and madrassa — spanning three to six bighas of land.
Aaj Tak report stated that a secret control room was also found inside the bungalow, from which the CCTV cameras of the entire house were monitored. Baba’s bedroom was also a kind of operation room, where every person entering was recorded. ATS has also recovered some sensitive documents from his room.
The HT report quoted an ATS officer as saying that during questioning of the two accused, a lot more details are likely to come out.
“The involvement of different people, including government officials, having connivance with the accused in the past years in grabbing government land is also likely to be exposed,” an officer was quoted.
Further, a report in Dainik Jagran mentioned about the Maharashtra connection of the conversion syndicate.
Through his ‘follower’ Naveen Rohra, Chhangur Baba reportedly purchased 204187.5 sq. ft. land in Maval tehsil of Pune for Rs 16 crore.
The role of Idul Islam, a resident of Nagpur (Maharashtra), an active member of the gang, has also come to light in the purchase and sale of disputed lands, the Dainik Jagran report stated.
ATS is searching for other members of the gang. Evidence of foreign funding has also been gathered in the investigation of various bank accounts, the report further mentioned.
Who Is Naveen Rohra Through Whom Chhangur Baba Bought Land In Maharashtra?
Chhangur Baba’s name in fact surfaced prominently when Mumbai-based businessman Naveen Rohra, his wife Neetu, and their daughter allegedly underwent religious conversion under his influence.
Post-conversion, the couple adopted Muslim names — Jamaluddin and Nasreen—and moved in with Chhangur Baba in Utraula, reportedly allowing him to use their luxury vehicles.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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