Chhangur Baba Case New Details: ‘Pastors Involved Too'. They ‘Eyed' Dalits & Poor, Then Gave Money
To influence underprivileged families, Chhangur Baba would allegedly first offer small amounts of cash (Rs 100 to Rs 200 per day) along with basic jobs.
Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, was arrested in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, over allegations of illegal religious conversions. As the investigation progresses, new details continue to emerge which shed light on how wide the network allegedly was and the methods used to target people from underprivileged backgrounds.
According to a report in Amar Ujala, the network allegedly focused on poor families. Authorities claim that people were influenced through money, land benefits and promises of a better life.
Conversion Tactics
As per Amar Ujala, to influence people, Chhangur Baba would first offer small amounts of cash (Rs 100 to Rs 200 per day) along with basic jobs like cleaning or caring for animals at his residence. He then gradually pressured them to convert. Two accused, Mehboob and Naveen Rohra, were said to be in charge of this part of the operation, which generated income while expanding the reach of the network.
The report mentioned that a man named Sanchit, who worked as a cleaner for Chhangur, claimed that he was offered Rs 5 lakh to convert. When he refused, he was falsely implicated in a rape case, according to Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) statement as cited in the report.
Chhangur had also purchased land in at least six locations within Utraula, as per the report. He developed two complexes and was involved in land plotting. The profits from these ventures were used to fund conversion activities.
Collaboration With Christian Missionaries
One of the more serious claims highlighted in the report involves links between Chhangur and Christian missionaries operating in seven districts near the Nepal border. The pastors were allegedly paid to provide details of Dalits, underprivileged, seriously ill and economically weak people of the selected areas. These individuals were then approached with help offers, financial support and the promise of improved living standards.
The report mentions that missionaries in Devipatan Mandal had assigned preachers based on caste and community. It made it easier to gain trust and push for conversions.
The Strategy
Investigators claim that Chhangur often used accused Neetu (alias Nasreen) and her husband Naveen (alias Jalaluddin) as examples to persuade others. He would reportedly tell Hindu families how the couple, originally Sindhi, became wealthy and successful after accepting Islam, owning a house, car and enjoying a better lifestyle.
Nasreen allegedly managed the records of expenses incurred for conversions. Naveen, on the other hand, handled local administration and police coordination.
'Mission Abaad'
Former Intelligence Bureau officer Santosh Singh, quoted in the report, described Chhangur Baba as a 'link" in the larger 'Mission Abaad" network. He said that this mission aimed to increase the population of certain groups in Terai and Madhesh regions between India and Nepal. Singh mentioned that some efforts were being made to bring in people from Assam and West Bengal under the pretext of education.
ED Tightens Financial Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expanding its financial investigation in the case. As per the sources, ED is examining the last 10 years of Income Tax returns for 40 entities reportedly created by the group. These are suspected to be shell companies used for routing illegal funds.
Over 100 bank accounts have been identified and bank statements are being collected. The agency has reportedly traced six overseas accounts with significant funds transferred from Arab nations.
Sources said that all properties, assets and linked entities are under review. The ED is preparing to seek custody of Chhangur and may initiate action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
view comments
First Published:
July 13, 2025, 07:00 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
21 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Protests erupt in Kerala, Delhi over arrest of Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh
The protests over the arrest of two Keralite nuns on charges of kidnapping, human trafficking and forced conversion at the Durg Railway station in Chhattisgarh last Friday appeared to gather momentum in Kerala and New Delhi on Monday (July 28, 2025). The protests also seemed to assume a politically bipartisan character with ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) MPs from Kerala protesting simultaneously outside Parliament, denouncing the 'minority-hate-fuelled arrest of the nuns on 'trumped up' charges. UDF MPs held placards denouncing the 'Hindu right-wing' Bajrang Dal's 'coercive role' in the arrest of Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preeta Mary of the order of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI). They said 'Sangh Parivar activists had held a kangaroo court' at the railway station, falsely accusing the nuns of attempting to spirit away three women, including an Adivasi, to Agra for conversion to Christianity. The UDF and the LDF accused the Chhattisgarh police of towing the Bajrang Dal line meekly by sending the sisters into judicial remand. Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian told reporters in New Delhi that the matter was still sub judice and he could not risk hazarding an opinion until the court processes the nuns' arrest. He stated that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar was working closely with the Central and Chhattisgarh governments, as well as the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), to secure the early release of the nuns. Notice in Parliament LDF's Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, MP, moved a notice in the Upper House, demanding an adjournment debate on the 'unjust' arrests. He also wrote to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, demanding the immediate release of the nuns. Closer home, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding justice for the 'unfairly incarcerated' nuns. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan called on the parents of Sister Preeta Mary at their house in Elavoor Parish near Angamaly in Ernakulam. He termed the arrests 'arbitrary and fascist.' 'Christian nuns and priests are scared even to wear their habits in BJP-ruled States. The pervasive atmosphere of persecution by State-backed Sangh Parivar outfits constrains them from overtly celebrating Christmas and Easter. Prayers are held in secrecy for the laity's safety,' he said. Mr. Satheesan termed the BJP in Kerala 'a wolf in a sheep's clothing'. Meanwhile, Deepika, the mouthpiece of the Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala, wrote that there was 'a dichotomy' between the BJP's words and actions. The party frequently extends invitations to Christians in Kerala. At the same time, it allows Sangh Parivar groups to persecute them in BJP-ruled States, it claimed. The newspaper claimed that after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014, the attacks against Christians had multiplied. Yuhanon Mar Meletius, Metropolitan of the Orthodox Syrian Church, observed somewhat drily on social media that another round of honouring (Church leaders) in New Delhi would negate the need for protests, obliquely harking back to Mr. Modi's meeting with prelates, including from Kerala, on Easter Day in 2023. State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty dared Church leaders to take their protests to Mr. Modi's doorstep and alleged that no prelate had denounced the nuns' arrests. 'Prayers alone won't redeem the anti-minority atmosphere precipitated by the Sangh Parivar in the country', he added. Kerala Excise Minister M. B. Rajesh said that some sections were under the false belief that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was their defender. 'They should realise that the RSS doctrine categorises Muslims, Christians and communists as fifth columnists, and hence the enemy within. It's not too late for them to open their eyes', he added. VHP justifies arrests Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Kerala general secretary Anil Vilayil justified the arrests. He accused the CBCI of 'obfuscating the facts of the human trafficking' case. He alleged that the women travelling with nuns included an underage tribal woman.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Chandra Shekhar Aazad Demands ₹1 Crore Compensation After Rajasthan School Roof Collapse
In a strong statement following the deadly school roof collapse in Rajasthan, Aazad Samaj Party MP Chandra Shekhar Aazad held the state government accountable for the tragedy. This is not an accident—it is institutional murder."I demand from the Rajasthan government to give compensation of ₹1 crore each to the affected families and conduct a full investigation into this failure," he said. #WATCH | Delhi | On Rajasthan school roof collapse, Aazad Samaj Party MP Chandra Shekhar Aazad says, "I demand from the Rajasthan government to give compensation of Rs 1 crore each to affected families and conduct an investigation." — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2025 The collapse occurred at a government-run school in Piplodi Village, Jhalawar district, causing panic and grief in the local community. Around 7 were killed and 21-28 students were injured by being trapped under debris. Locals allege that the school building, which dates back to 1947, had been in a visibly dangerous condition for years. Students had reportedly noticed pieces of plaster and pebbles falling from the ceiling minutes before the incident. According to student survivors, their warnings to the teachers were dismissed. This has raised fresh concerns about the safety of public infrastructure and the negligence in maintaining school buildings. 'We saw pebbles falling and told our teacher, but we were asked to sit quietly. Then the roof just came down,' said a Class 8 student who narrowly survived. Aazad criticized the state's education and PWD departments for failing to act despite red flags. He urged that not only should there be a judicial probe, but also accountability fixed on officials responsible for ignoring the warnings. Political leaders and civil society groups have echoed the demand for justice, as families mourn their loss. Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma, visited the site and met with grieving families. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh per deceased student's family, a contractual government job to one family member, and a promise to rebuild the school with classrooms named in memory of the victims, reported The Hindu.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Their info leaked online, Dehradun interfaith couple say marriage application on hold amid threats and pressure
After being in a relationship for over a decade, a couple from Dehradun decided to get married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. However, on Saturday, their application was put on hold after two witnesses pulled out, citing threats from right-wing groups and objections from the woman's father, who was threatened with a boycott by his community. According to the couple, their wedding plans unravelled because the man is a Muslim and the woman a Hindu. The details of the couple — both 28 years old — along with their photographs, were uploaded online by a Facebook user, leading to a flurry of threats, abuses, and visits to the family of the woman. The woman, who works at a clinic, said her relatives and others turned up at their door on Saturday, disparaging the family for 'letting her marry' the Muslim man. 'My parents are neither happy nor upset about my decision. They respect my choice. However, after the entire system came against us, my father was forced to raise objections with the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate). The page that has gone viral on social media is not the notice put up on the board of the office of the SDM, but from our file with the officer,' she said. She alleges that some lawyers who work with the man she is set to marry, as well as some government officials, 'are facilitating this hounding and delaying our second motion'. The SDM has denied allegations that the documents were leaked from his office. The man who sought to marry her works as an advocate in Dehradun, but has not gone to work since their details went up online. Threats, allegedly from the Hindu Raksha Dal, Bajrang Dal, and other outfits, have been pouring in ever since, he claimed. 'We have known each other since class 6 and attended the same college. We are exercising our fundamental rights and getting married under the Special Marriage Act. How can their law prevail over the Constitution?' he said. The woman said she fears her job is on the line after her employer came across the social media posts. 'Though I have not been terminated, the doctor called to tell me to stay put until things blow over. I'm not sure if they will lay me off if this persists,' she said. The couple had sought protection from the High Court on Friday. The division bench of Chief Justice G Narender and Justice Alok Mahra had directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to comply with the Supreme Court verdict in the Lata Singh vs State of UP and Another (2006) case. The apex court had directed the administration and police across the country to ensure that when any man or woman, who is a major, undergoes inter-caste or inter-religious marriage with a woman or man who is also a major, the couple is not harassed by anyone nor subjected to threats or acts of violence. They were also directed to ensure that anyone who gives such threats or harasses or commits acts of violence, either himself or at his instigation, is taken to task by instituting criminal proceedings by the police against such persons, and further stern action is taken against such persons as provided by law. The woman claimed that police did not lodge an FIR on her complaint and told her they can only protect her in case of a 'real threat'. The couple's lawyer said that she has been ostracised for helping them get married. Meanwhile, SDM, Sadar, Har Giri, said that he was looking into the objections raised by the woman's family. Asked about the delay, he said, 'We have to look into the cause for the withdrawal by the witnesses. My responsibility is to enquire about the matter; threats to the couple do not figure in my responsibilities.' He denied allegations that the documents with details of the couple were leaked from his office. Earlier this year, another couple from Udham Singh Nagar faced a similar ordeal after their details were made public by right-wing outfits despite a High Court order directing protection from threats.
