In a breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested Rashid, a key associate of self-styled spiritual leader Chhangur Baba, for his alleged role in a large-scale religious conversion racket. The arrest was made in Balrampur’s Utraula area, where the racket is believed to have originated. According to information, Chhangur Baba had entrusted Rashid with handling the ‘love jihad’ wing of the conversion syndicate. The ATS presented Rashid before a local court, and further legal proceedings are underway. Chhangur Baba, whose real name is Jamaluddin, is the alleged mastermind behind the inter-state racket. Investigators say the operation targeted Scheduled Castes, economically weaker groups, and Hindu women by exploiting emotional and religious vulnerabilities — often luring people through promises of fulfilled wishes, prosperity, or miraculous healing.
Last week, the ATS took Chhangur Baba to Madhpur village in Balrampur, his reported hub of operations. Officials raided a bungalow allegedly linked to his aides, which has since been marked as illegally constructed and is now under demolition.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after initial findings revealed that the racket received foreign funds of over 106 crore rupees, primarily from the Middle East.
