Chhangur Baba’s Reign of Deception: How a ‘Miracle Man’ Met His End
Balrampur/Lucknow/Mumbai : In what investigators call one of India’s largest religious conversion rackets, Jamaluddin Shah—better known as Chhangur Baba—has emerged at the center of a sprawling web of spiritual deceit, wealth accumulation, and systematic coercion that allegedly exploited thousands across state and international borders. His arrest earlier this month, alongside key associates, marks a dramatic downfall for the self-styled spiritual guru whose meteoric rise was built on religious manipulation, political connections, and alleged foreign funding.
The Curious Origin of ‘Chhangur’
Born Jamaluddin Shah in Rehra Mafi village, Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh, he was once a modest seller of taweez (amulets) and gemstones. Locals recall a soft-spoken man with an unusual trait—six fingers on one hand, which gave rise to his nickname “Chhangur.” Leveraging this quirk and tales of spiritual powers, he attracted villagers in droves. By the early 2010s, he migrated to Mumbai, where his transformation from a peddler to a “peer baba” truly began.
Frequenting the Haji Ali Dargah, Shah deepened his base among faith-seekers and expanded his reach. By 2020, he had completely rebranded himself as a spiritual leader, establishing ashrams, madrassas, and acquiring wealth estimated at over ₹100 crore. His assets spanned several Indian states and even touched foreign shores. Lavish SUVs, a 70-room mansion, and a coterie of loyal followers became part of his public persona.
The Network: Religion, Money, and Control
The turning point in Shah’s saga lies not just in his dramatic rise but in the sinister workings of his empire. Investigations by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and other intelligence agencies have revealed an alleged transnational conversion racket targeting vulnerable Hindu individuals—particularly women from Scheduled Castes, OBCs, and poor economic backgrounds.
Using coercion, financial lures, emotional manipulation, and at times alleged honey-trapping, Shah’s operation is believed to have converted over 4,000 individuals. His core team included Naveen and Neetu Rohra, who reportedly converted to Islam in 2015 and adopted the names Jamaluddin and Nasreen, respectively. They allegedly handled finances, recruitment, and foreign funding flows.
What stunned investigators was the revelation of a 50-member “special force”—a private guard deployed in his Balrampur mansion. These men were allegedly tasked with enforcing conversions, intimidating dissenters, and silencing whistleblowers.
The Tipping Point: A Minor’s Shocking Allegation
A major break in the case came with the testimony of a minor girl from Haryana, who alleged she was forcibly converted and later exploited at a spa in Delhi linked to Shah’s network. Her claims set off a chain reaction, prompting multiple ghar wapsi (reconversion) campaigns and protests by Hindu organizations across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The political temperature soared. In April 2025, authorities arrested Shah’s son Mehboob and key aide Naveen Rohra. Chhangur and Neetu went underground, hiding in a budget hotel in Lucknow for nearly three months. On July 5, 2025, the ATS finally apprehended them.
The Crackdown: Raids, Demolitions, and a Red Diary
The unraveling of Chhangur Baba’s empire has been swift and surgical. On July 8, authorities demolished his illegally constructed 70-room mansion in Madhpur village, a structure built on encroached government land. Simultaneously, other properties—including a college and a madrassa—were bulldozed.
The ED’s raids across 14 locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh unearthed:
- Over ₹106 crore spread across 40+ bank accounts
- Suspicious foreign fund transfers from the Middle East, Nepal, and possibly Pakistan
- Property documents, luxury watches, gold, and unaccounted cash
- A red diary, now in ED custody, listing names of influential individuals and transaction records
Officials suggest that Shah made over 50 foreign trips, primarily to Islamic nations. These visits are now under scrutiny for potential links to foreign intelligence and hawala operators. Sources indicate that NGOs linked to Shah received sizable grants without proper disclosures.
The Denials and the Investigations Ahead
Despite the mounting evidence, Shah maintains his innocence. During his interrogation, he claimed to be a devout follower of Islam, denying charges of coercion or foreign involvement. “I have only guided those who came to me willingly,” he allegedly told interrogators.
However, the multi-agency probe continues to build momentum. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been invoked. Shah and his aides are likely to face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, and Indian Penal Code sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and exploitation of minors.
Broader Implications: Faith Under Siege
The Chhangur Baba case has reignited debate on religious conversions in India. Activists, political parties, and religious bodies are pressing for tighter laws and increased oversight on foreign funding of NGOs.
Senior UP ATS officials believe the case might just be the tip of the iceberg. “This is not just about one man or one syndicate. This is a well-oiled machinery working across borders,” a senior officer said on condition of anonymity.
As the Dust Settles…
From humble beginnings in a dusty UP village to being the alleged mastermind of a multi-crore spiritual-industrial complex, the story of Chhangur Baba reflects a dangerous fusion of charisma, faith, and fraud. As investigators dig deeper, India watches closely—for justice, accountability, and the truth buried beneath layers of deception.
This is a developing story. More details are awaited as the probe continues.
