Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Lucknow Zonal Unit on Thursday conducted searches at 14 locations, 12 in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district and two in Mumbai, in connection with an alleged religious conversion racket linked to self-styled godman Jamaluddin Shah, also known as Chhangur Baba.
ED Raids Underway In Mahim & Bandra
According to officials, the raids began around 5 am and were carried out at multiple locations in Utraula, Madhupur village, Rehramafi village, and other areas of Balrampur district. The two locations in Mumbai, Bandra and Mahim, are linked to a man identified as Shehzad Sheikh. Sheikh, who was present at the Bandra residence, is also being questioned by ED.
₹2 Cr Transferred From Chhangur Baba's Aide
During the investigation, officials detected financial transactions amounting to Rs 2 crore in Shehzad Sheikh’s bank account. The funds were allegedly transferred from an account held by Naveen Rohra alias Jamaluddin, a known associate of Chhangur Baba and an accused in the ongoing religious conversion case.
ED searches underway at Chhangur Baba's premises in UP |
Preliminary findings indicate that the funds were intended for property purchases, with a portion later diverted to multiple other accounts. The ED is currently tracing the money trail to determine the origin of the funds, their purpose, and the network of individuals involved.
Officials suspect that the transactions may be part of a larger conspiracy involving coercive religious conversions and illegal financial operations. Digital devices, property-related documents, and banking records have been seized during the searches for further examination.
During the searches at 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh, the ED recovered a significant volume of land-related documents, unaccounted cash, and crucial digital evidence believed suspected to be linked to the alleged religious conversion network.
ED searches underway at Chhangur Baba's premises in UP |
ED searches underway at Chhangur Baba's premises in UP |
The agency is also focusing on Chhangur Baba’s close associates, followers, and ashram managers, examining their bank accounts, property holdings, and financial transactions. Investigators are probing suspected foreign funding routes, with preliminary findings indicating inflows from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal raising serious concerns about cross-border financing of the alleged conversion operations.
