Balrampur, a quiet district in Uttar Pradesh, has been making headlines since July 8, 2025, due to a major crackdown on an alleged religious conversion racket. Authorities have taken strong action against Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, accused of running a large-scale illegal operation. His lavish mansion, built on government land, is being demolished, and the police are digging deeper into his network. This article brings you updates on the situation, keeping you informed as events unfold.
Demolition of Chhangur Baba’s Mansion
The demolition of Chhangur Baba’s sprawling 40-room mansion in Utraula, Balrampur, began on July 8, 2025, and continued into its third day on July 10. The mansion, reportedly worth ₹3 crore, was built illegally on government land, according to Balrampur’s District Magistrate, Pavan Agarwal. On the first day, nine bulldozers tore down about 20 rooms and a large hall. By the second day, ten bulldozers were in action, and on July 10, eight bulldozers continued the work, targeting the remaining 500 square feet of the structure. The walls, built with rods typically used for bridge construction, have made the demolition challenging, but authorities are determined to clear the illegal encroachment. Police and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) are heavily deployed to maintain order. This action follows Chhangur Baba’s arrest by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) for allegedly running a conversion racket that targeted over 40 people, with claims of a much larger operation.
Allegations and Arrests in the Conversion Racket
Chhangur Baba, along with his associate Neetu (also known as Nasreen), was arrested on July 5, 2025, in Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh ATS alleges that their operation lured poor Hindu girls with promises of miracles and financial help, only to facilitate their conversion to Islam. Reports suggest the racket was highly organized, charging ₹8-16 lakh per conversion based on the individual’s caste. The investigation has uncovered a network stretching from Balrampur to Dubai, with claims that up to 1,500 girls may have been converted. Two others, including Chhangur Baba’s son, were arrested earlier in April. On July 9, a court clerk in Balrampur, Rajesh Upadhyay, was removed from his post for alleged ties to the racket. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called the operation “anti-national” and vowed to seize all related properties, signaling a broader crackdown on those involved.
Community and Official Reactions
Locals are shocked by the scale of the alleged racket, with many expressing anger over the misuse of government land and the exploitation of vulnerable people. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking in Azamgarh on July 9, promised to “crush anti-social elements” like Chhangur Baba, earning support from some residents who see this as a stand against crime. The Uttar Pradesh STF chief, Amitabh Yash, revealed that the racket was funded by foreign money, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Authorities are now investigating money laundering and other illegal activities tied to Chhangur Baba’s operations, including plans to build a degree college and acquire more land.
What’s Next?
As the demolition continues, authorities are planning to seize more properties linked to Chhangur Baba and his associates. The ongoing investigation may uncover additional details about the racket’s reach, including its international connections. The case has also drawn attention to broader issues of illegal land use and organized crime in Uttar Pradesh. The police and ATS are expected to release more updates soon, and we’ll keep you posted as the story develops.
