Mumbai: In a major operation targeting alleged unlawful religious conversions, the Enforcement Directorate’s Lucknow Zonal Unit on Thursday launched simultaneous raids across 14 locations, uncovering a complex network of financial transactions and suspected foreign funding. The action is centered around controversial self-proclaimed godman Jamaluddin Shah, also known as Chhangur Baba.
Twelve of the targeted sites were in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district—including Utraula, Madhupur, and Rehramafi—while two others were located in Mumbai’s Bandra and Mahim suburbs. The Mumbai locations are linked to a man identified as Shehzad Sheikh, whose financial records have come under intense scrutiny.
Officials revealed that approximately ₹2 crore in suspicious deposits were found in Sheikh’s account. These funds, reportedly originating from an account held by Naveen Rohra alias Jamaluddin, are suspected to have been used in real estate deals before being rerouted to multiple unidentified accounts.
During the extensive search operation, ED officers seized large volumes of land ownership records, unaccounted cash, mobile phones, hard drives, and property transaction files believed to be linked to the alleged conversion syndicate. Investigators are now examining whether this financial network was being used to facilitate coercive religious conversions and illegal land acquisition.
In addition to domestic transactions, the ED is also probing possible international funding routes. Initial findings point to remittances from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal, raising concerns over cross-border involvement in the financing of these activities.
