The Uttar Pradesh ATS has busted a major illegal conversion network, arresting Jamaluddin alias Changur Baba, who carried a reward of ₹50,000, and his associate Neetu alias Nasreen. Changur Baba, who presented himself as a 'Peer Baba' and 'Hazrat Baba Jalaluddin,' had been orchestrating this deep conspiracy of conversions for several years. Investigations revealed that the gang received approximately ₹100 crore in funding from abroad, particularly from Gulf countries, which was used for organized conversions and to maintain a luxurious lifestyle.
According to sources, the gang's links are connected to an international network, and several recent 'ghar wapsi' (homecoming) events in the state have helped the ATS reach this network.
The Dangerous Game of Conversion
The modus operandi of this gang was highly planned and cunning. The ATS report contains several shocking revelations that clearly expose the depth of this network and the seriousness of the conspiracy.
• Entire family from Mumbai becomes radical: Investigations revealed that Changur Baba brainwashed Naveen Ghanshyam Rohra, his wife Neetu, and daughter Samale, forcing them to convert to Islam. All three changed their names to Jamaluddin, Nasreen, and Sabiha, respectively. They all lived near the Chand Auliya Dargah in Madhpur village, Balrampur.
• Dargah became a conversion hub: Changur Baba published a book called 'Shijr-e-Tayyaba,' through which he propagated Islam. The Dargah was used as a center to brainwash people who came there.
• Forced conversion: Gunja Gupta, a resident of Lucknow, was lured by Abu Ansari under the name 'Amit' and taken to Changur Baba's Dargah. There, his associate Neetu and others brainwashed Gunja, making her accept Islam and changing her name to Alina Ansari.
Crores of Funding
• ₹100 crore funding from abroad: The gang had obtained foreign funding of approximately ₹100 crore from Gulf countries in the past few years. This money was used for conversions, and the gang members also bought showrooms, bungalows, and luxury cars in Balrampur.
• 40 foreign trips: Investigations revealed that the gang members made approximately 40 trips to Islamic countries, confirming their international network.
• More than 40 bank accounts: More than 40 bank accounts were opened in the names of Changur Baba and his associates and various fake organizations, in which transactions of approximately ₹100 crore were made.
Caste-Based Conversion Rates
The gang had fixed different amounts based on caste for conversion:
• Brahmin, Kshatriya, or Sardar girl: ₹15–16 lakh
• Backward caste girl: ₹10–12 lakh
• Girls of other castes: ₹8–10 lakh
• Exploitation of the helpless by threatening: Changur Baba, Mehboob, Pinki Harijan, Hazira Shankar, Emen Rizvi, Sagir, and Neetu Rohra, members of the gang, targeted poor and helpless people. They were threatened with lawsuits if they did not convert.
Serious Cases Already Registered
Prior to this, the law had already tightened its grip on Changur Baba's network. A case related to illegal conversion had been registered against some of his associates and relatives at the Devgaon police station in Azamgarh under FIR number 221/23. This previously active gang has been involved in conversion activities for a long time, and its layers are now gradually being exposed.
ATS Engaged in Investigation
The UP ATS is now thoroughly investigating this case. Sources say that many more faces connected to the gang may be exposed soon. Currently, the agencies are engaged in investigating the gang's funding, foreign connections, and assets.
