Chhangur Conversion Case: ED Probes ₹106 Crore Foreign Funding Trail, Raids Underway in Balrampur and Mumbai

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started a big crackdown because of the case of Chhangur Baba, who changed his religion and became famous. Raids are happening at 14 places right now, including 12 in Uttar Pradesh's Utraula area near Balrampur and 2 in Mumbai, to look into claims of money laundering and receiving money from outside the country.

Chhangur conversion case | The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at 14 premises, including 12 in Utraula, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, and two in Mumbai. Search started today at 5 am: Official Sources pic.twitter.com/Zap7S4hONX

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2025

The trail of ₹106 crore in foreign funds is being looked into

ED sources say that the investigation has found a strange trail of ₹106 crore that was received through more than 40 bank accounts, with most of them coming from the Middle East. It is thought that these funds were used to help a lot of people change their religion by offering them rewards and other benefits.

The ED is looking into whether this money was sent in a way that broke the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency thinks that the money was given out on purpose to help people who were struggling financially, mostly in rural areas.

Raids Find Gold, Cash, and Property Paperwork

Early morning searches, which started around 5 AM, have already led to the seizure of cash that can't be traced, gold jewelry, papers showing who owns land, and high-end cars from the searched areas. According to officials, a key associate in Mumbai named Shehzad Sheikh reportedly got more than ₹1 crore from accounts linked to Chhangur Baba.

Background: How do I find Chhangur Baba?

Chhangur Baba, whose real name is Jamaluddin Shah, got a lot of attention when he was accused of running a business to convert people to Islam. This person and his close helper Neetu, also known as Nasreen, were caught by the UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Lucknow on July 5. Both are being questioned to find more information while they are being held without bail.

The ATS says the gang was active for more than 15 years and targeted minorities, women, and areas with low incomes. Investigations point to the use of coercive methods, such as "conversion counseling" meetings, the distribution of disturbing literature, and setting up honeytraps.

Taking down illegal properties

At the same time, officials in Balrampur had already torn down a big part of Chhangur Baba's illegally built mansion, which was said to be worth more than 3 crore rupees. It is said that the building was put up on government land that was being breached. In the next few days, more demolitions are likely to happen.

International and cross-state links are shown on the scanner

The investigation has grown to include Maharashtra and possible ties in Nepal. They are looking into money moves across borders and "benami" property deals. Authorities think that the gang had members in more than one state and maybe even in other countries.

ED and ATS will work together to plan more steps

Sources say that the ED and ATS are now sharing information in order to follow the money trail to its end, find out who the recipients are, and see how much foreign influence there is. The case is still going on, so more charges and property seizures are likely to happen.