Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 11 : The Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh, said that the gang led by Chhangur Baba, alleged mastermind of a religious conversion gang, had been involved in religious conversions for a long time in Lucknow, using various tactics such as honey-trapping, exerting administrative pressure, targeting minors, and deploying multiple manipulative strategies. Influential individuals in society were also used as instruments to facilitate these conversions.
He added that a significant amount of foreign funding was received for these activities. Separate rate cards existed for different types of conversions, and the funds were routed through around 40 different accounts. The ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) has information about all these accounts and is investigating the sources of the foreign funds. Funds used to acquire properties through illegal means will be seized and demolished under due legal procedures.
Speaking to ANI, ADG Law and Order, Amitabh Yash said, "Today, UP ATS has obtained 7-day remand of Chhangur Baba & his main associate Neetu alias Nasreen. They will be questioned about the network of their gang, the money trail and their illegal properties. The process to seize and demolish their illegal properties will also be done. It has come to light that this gang has been working for the last 15 years and has been conducting religious conversions. All those persons against whom there is evidence have been arrested. Mohammed Ahmed is named in this case and ATS is probing further. ED had asked ATS for the FIR in this case."
On demographic changes, ADG Amitabh Yash stated that the region is very close to the Nepal border, and such demographic shifts have been observed in this area for quite some time, possibly as part of a larger conspiracy.
On Tuesday, following the demolition of properties of Jalaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, UP Minister Anil Rajbhar said that he destroyed the lives of multiple women through conversions, which almost amounts to treason. Speaking to ANI, Anil Rajbhar said, "He earned immense property by religious conversions. This is only the beginning. He destroyed the lives of multiple women through conversions and which almost amounts to treason. The government is doing the demolition activity. 18 people have been named, including a former minister of a particular community. Many other properties have to be found and seized. Network in 40 countries, and it is an example of the conspiracy against the country outside the border limits.
The Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad had arrested Chhangur Baba and his aide in Lucknow on July 5.