In a significant breakthrough, investigators probing the alleged religious conversion racket linked to Chhangur Baba In a significant breakthrough, investigators probing the alleged religious conversion racket linked to Chhangur Baba — also known as Jamaluddin — have recovered a crucial piece of evidence: a red diary. This discovery comes just days after it was revealed that Chhangur Baba received a staggering ₹106 crore in foreign funding.
The red diary, seized during a raid by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), reportedly lists the names of several politicians and former officials suspected of receiving financial support from Baba during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Authorities believe this diary may hold critical information that connects political figures to the foreign-funded operations allegedly spearheaded by Baba.
The case, already under the scanner for suspected violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), has now taken a more serious turn. Alongside the ATS, both the Special Task Force (STF) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have intensified their efforts, focusing on the contents of the diary to uncover the extent of the financial and political nexus.
Officials are now working to authenticate the entries and trace the flow of funds, which could potentially expose a wider network involved in illicit activities and unlawful foreign influence within the country’s political system. also known as Jamaluddin — have recovered a crucial piece of evidence: a red diary. This discovery comes just days after it was revealed that Chhangur Baba received a staggering ₹106 crore in foreign funding.
The red diary, seized during a raid by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), reportedly lists the names of several politicians and former officials suspected of receiving financial support from Baba during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Authorities believe this diary may hold critical information that connects political figures to the foreign-funded operations allegedly spearheaded by Baba.
The case, already under the scanner for suspected violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), has now taken a more serious turn. Alongside the ATS, both the Special Task Force (STF) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have intensified their efforts, focusing on the contents of the diary to uncover the extent of the financial and political nexus.
Officials are now working to authenticate the entries and trace the flow of funds, which could potentially expose a wider network involved in illicit activities and unlawful foreign influence within the country’s political system.
From Street Vendor to Political Financier( Chhangur Baba)
Jamaluddin, widely known as Chhangur Baba or Pir Baba, hails from Rehra Mafi village in Balrampur district near the Nepal border. He began his journey modestly, selling rings and amulets from a bicycle. Over the span of a decade, however, he transformed this humble trade into a multi-crore empire.
Chhangur Baba’s meteoric financial rise was largely driven by donations from several Middle Eastern countries. Authorities estimate that he operated more than 40 active bank accounts, through which around Rs 106 crore was funneled. His expanding wealth is reflected in two high-value properties—one in Balrampur and another in Lonavala, Maharashtra—collectively worth over Rs 18 crore. The Lonavala property, acquired in August 2023, was registered in both his name and that of an associate
From Amulets to Influence: Chhangur Baba’s Empire Under Scrutiny
Jamaluddin, popularly known as Chhangur Baba or Pir Baba, once sold charms and rings on a bicycle in Balrampur’s Rehra Mafi village. Today, he’s at the center of a multi-agency investigation involving allegations of foreign-funded religious conversions, political financing, and money laundering.
According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Baba amassed Rs 106 crore through donations from Middle Eastern countries, funneled via over 40 active bank accounts. One of his key property deals—a land purchase in Lonavala in August 2023—was linked to Mohammad Ahmed Khan, who is also suspected of transferring funds into Chhangur Baba’s accounts.
The most explosive lead in the investigation is Baba’s ‘red diary’, seized by the Uttar Pradesh ATS. It reportedly lists several politicians who allegedly received large sums from him during the 2022 Assembly elections. One entry cites a Rs 90 lakh payment to a former Utraula candidate. The diary also hints at Baba’s intent to fund a former IPS officer in the 2027 elections.
Investigators believe Chhangur Baba had been a key behind-the-scenes player in elections across Balrampur and neighbouring constituencies, not just funding campaigns but also mobilising his large follower base. His photos with gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in 2023, had earlier sparked controversy.
Chhangur Baba was arrested on July 5 in Lucknow along with Neetu alias Nasreen. He faces charges of converting economically vulnerable individuals—widows, labourers, and Dalits—through coercion and monetary inducement.
The ED registered a PMLA case on July 9 and raided 14 locations on July 17, including properties in Utraula and Mumbai. Meanwhile, the local administration demolished an illegally constructed building on government land in Madhupur village, which was under constant CCTV surveillance and guarded by dogs—believed to be one of Baba’s key operational bases.
