In early July 2025, UP ATS arrested Chhangur Baba and his aide Neetu from a Lucknow hotel. His son and several associates were also detained. Yogi Adityanath bulldozer action, the state government swiftly demolished his illegal mansion, with bulldozers levelling 1,500 sq ft on the first day and 75% of the structure in subsequent operations, a move widely dubbed “Baba ka bulldozer.
The ED filed a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), citing ₹51 crore spent on illegal conversions. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned Chhangur Baba’s actions as “anti-social and anti-national,” accusing him of exploiting women and destabilising social harmony
#WATCH | A team of Uttar Pradesh ATS reaches the residence of Chhangur Baba in Balrampur. He is under
Chhangur Baba, who is alleged to be the mastermind of a religious conversion gang, is under ATS custody till July 16.
Visuals from Madhupur village pic.twitter.com/sY4dqGeNFk
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025
The Rise of Chhangur Baba
Jalaluddin Shah, popularly known as Chhangur Baba, started his journey as a small-time vendor selling amulets and rings on a bicycle in rural Balrampur. Born with six fingers on one hand, a condition called polydactyly, he earned the nickname Chhangur and cleverly turned this physical anomaly into a symbol of divine power. Over time, he cultivated an image as a miracle healer and spiritual guru, attracting a devoted following. By the early 2020s, his influence had grown exponentially.
The Dark Side of Spiritual Influence
Chhangur Baba’s spiritual empire soon took a sinister turn. He constructed dargahs, such as the Chand Auliya shrine in Madhpur village near the Nepal border, which became centers for religious gatherings. Investigations revealed that these sites were allegedly used to target vulnerable individuals, particularly Hindu and lower-caste women, through coercion, deception, and even “love jihad”.
A probe by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) uncovered a meticulously planned conversion racket. Reports indicated a “rate list” that assigned different monetary incentives based on caste, with cash inducements, threats, and psychological manipulation used to facilitate conversions. Estimates suggest over 1,500 Hindu women were converted, with the total number possibly exceeding 3,000.
A Lavish Lifestyle Built on Illicit Funds
Behind the façade of spirituality lay a sprawling financial empire. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) traced over ₹100 crore across 40 bank accounts linked to Chhangur Baba’s network, including NGOs and shell companies. Shockingly, funds were allegedly routed from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Nepal. Some reports even estimated foreign funding between ₹300 to ₹500 crore, funnelled through informal hawala networks with middlemen taking a 4-5% cut.
His wealth manifested in extravagant assets, a ₹3 crore Balrampur mansion with 70 rooms, imported décor, private power supply, CCTV surveillance, and even a stable with horses. Authorities later confirmed that much of this property was illegally constructed.
Yogi Adityanath bulldozer action: UP’s Anti-Conversion Law and Its Enforcement
This case highlights the strict enforcement of Uttar Pradesh’s 2020 anti-conversion law, which criminalises religious conversions through misrepresentation, coercion, or allurement. Violations carry prison terms of up to 10 years, with recent amendments allowing life sentences in severe cases. Authorities allege Chhangur Baba’s syndicate systematically violated these provisions, making this a landmark test for the law’s effectiveness.
Thanks to CM @myogiadityanath Ji for taking firm action against illegal religious conversions.
The recent crackdown in the case of Chhangur Baba exposes how vulnerable minds were being targeted under the guise of “faith.” Such decisive steps can only protect our Dharma, society,… pic.twitter.com/V1W3MMkVyt
— Namami Bharatam 🚩 (@Namami_Bharatam) July 12, 2025
What Lies Ahead: A Transnational Scandal Unfolds
Investigators are now probing the syndicate’s transnational links, with suspected operatives in Maharashtra, Bihar, Dubai, and even Switzerland. The NIA and ED are examining fund trails through Nepal, Swiss banks, and shell NGOs, while also scrutinising possible local official complicity.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Power and Exploitation
Chhangur Baba’s story is a stark reminder of how faith can be weaponised for exploitation. From a humble peddler to a feared spiritual leader with a multi-crore empire, his downfall underscores the dangers of unchecked religious manipulation. As investigations continue, the case will test India’s legal framework against forced conversions and illicit funding, setting a precedent for future crackdowns on similar networks.