The arrest of Changur Baba, also known as Jamaluddin, in Uttar Pradesh on charges of illegal religious conversion has sparked political and social unrest. Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, also issued a b statement on this controversy. He said that 'Baba-ism' is rapidly spreading in India, and people are falling into the trap of such fake babas without understanding. Shastri appealed to the people to be vigilant and urged them not to fall for such hypocritical babas, who are misleading society by posing as religious gurus. He clearly stated, "Don't fall for wrong babas, and don't even fall for us." His statement is widely discussed on social media, and the public debate on this issue has intensified.
The Growing Problem of Baba-ism in India
During his discourse, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri, indirectly targeting Changur Baba, said that a baba had exploited hundreds of women in the name of religion and forcibly converted around 3,000 Hindus, making them Muslims. He said that fraud and wrongdoings are increasing under the guise of babas. Shastri said, "Baba-ism has become a serious problem in India, where people get trapped by these babas without thinking. We have to tell you, not the babas, don't fall for the wrong ones." His statement has further deepened the Changur Baba controversy and sent a message of caution to the people.
Appeal to Avoid Falling for Babas
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri said, "If you fall for someone like that, they will not only be corrupt themselves but will also corrupt you." He wished that everything may break, but no one's trust should break. He told the devotees, "Don't fall for babas, fall for Balaji, but don't fall for us either." Shastri's stern message is especially for those who may fall victim to superstition or betrayal. This statement is seen as an important warning in the backdrop of the recently emerged cases of fake babas.
Who is Changur Baba?
Jamaluddin, also known as Changur Baba, is accused of forcing Hindu girls to convert. He is currently in police custody. The police investigation also revealed that Changur had set caste-wise targets for conversions. According to the investigation, the rates were fixed at Rs 15-16 lakh for Brahmin and Kshatriya girls, Rs 10-12 lakh for OBC girls, and Rs 8-10 lakh for SC-ST girls.
The police claim that this illegal religious racket was operating in an organized manner and was also receiving financial assistance from abroad. This revelation further increases the seriousness of the case and indicates that Changur Baba's network was quite extensive.
