Enforcement Directorate Seizes Property in Religious Conversion Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in connection with a religious conversion case involving high-profile individuals in Uttar Pradesh. On Thursday, the agency sealed a three-storey boutique owned by Nasreen, who is closely associated with Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba. This move comes as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal activities linked to religious conversions across the state.
The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) had previously arrested Jamaluddin and Nasreen for their involvement in a covert network that allegedly facilitated religious conversions. The ED launched a large-scale search operation on Wednesday, targeting 14 different locations, including 12 premises in Utraula, Balrampur district, and two in Mumbai.
Extensive Investigation Underway
On July 11, the ATS secured a seven-day remand for both Jamaluddin and Nasreen to further investigate their operations, financial links, and any illegal properties they may have acquired. According to the Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order in Uttar Pradesh, Amitabh Yash, the gang operated for over 15 years and used various manipulative tactics. These included honey-trapping, administrative pressure, targeting minors, and enlisting influential individuals to facilitate conversions.
“A significant amount of foreign funding has been traced to the gang,” ADG Yash stated. He added that there were separate rate cards for different types of conversions, with money routed through nearly 40 bank accounts. The ATS is actively tracking the sources of these funds.
Legal Actions and Property Seizures
The ADG mentioned that any properties acquired using these illicit funds will be seized and demolished according to legal provisions. “Chhangur Baba and his main associate, Neetu alias Nasreen, will be interrogated regarding their network, financial trail, and assets. The process to seize and demolish their illegally acquired properties has begun,” he said.
All individuals against whom there is evidence have been arrested. Mohammed Ahmed is also named in the case, and further investigations are underway. Additionally, the ED has requested a copy of the FIR from the ATS for a parallel investigation into the financial aspects of the case.
Concerns Over Demographic Shifts
The ADG highlighted concerns about demographic shifts in the region, noting that it lies close to the Nepal border. Such changes have been under observation for some time, raising suspicions of a larger conspiracy. The case has drawn attention not only for its legal implications but also for its potential impact on the social and political landscape of the area.
Key Points from the Investigation
- Arrests: Jamaluddin and Nasreen were arrested for their roles in the religious conversion network.
- Search Operations: The ED conducted raids at 14 locations, including multiple premises in Balrampur and Mumbai.
- Financial Trail: Investigations reveal a complex network of financial transactions involving foreign funding and numerous bank accounts.
- Property Seizure: Illegally acquired properties are being targeted for seizure and demolition.
- Ongoing Investigations: Both the ATS and ED are working to uncover more details about the network’s operations and financial activities.
The case underscores the complexities of religious conversion laws in India and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such issues. As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring that all legal procedures are followed and that justice is served.
