The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Saturday arrested two key associates of Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin in connection with a large-scale religious conversion racket operating across the state.
The arrested individuals, identified as Sabroz and Shahabuddin—both residents of Balrampur—were apprehended from the Balrampur district earlier today.
During police interrogation, it was revealed that both individuals were trusted associates of the controversial religious leader Chhangur Baba.
Cases have been registered against them under several serious charges, including the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.
They have also been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code Section 121A (conspiracy to wage war against the state), Section 417 (cheating), Section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc.).
According to the police, the two accused were actively involved in running conversion campaigns on behalf of Chhangur Baba and are suspected to have misled and converted hundreds of individuals.
Authorities recovered objectionable documents, mobile phones, and suspicious contact lists from their possession.
Police suspect the duo’s network may extend to other districts within Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. The arrested individuals were produced in court and have been sent to judicial custody.
A detailed investigation is ongoing, and officials have indicated that more arrests linked to Chhangur Baba’s network are likely in the coming days.
ENDS