Changur Baba’s ₹100 cr conversion racket busted; Pills, foreign oils, CCTV setup seized

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a raid at the luxurious ashram of Jalaluddin alias Changur Baba in Lucknow and uncovered a religious conversion racket estimated to be worth ₹100 crore. During the operation, officials seized power-enhancing pills, imported massage oils, foreign-labelled products, and a high-end CCTV surveillance setup. The ashram was described as being built like a palace with interiors that included velvet carpets, imported chandeliers, and mirrored decor.

The raid revealed that Baba’s private bedroom contained luxury items sourced internationally, including curtains from Italy and massage oils from Spain. Authorities found numerous power booster capsules and stimulants generally used for physical enhancement. These products were not consistent with a traditional ascetic lifestyle. The CCTV system installed across the premises was centrally controlled from a dedicated room located inside the bedroom, with coverage over every section of the property.

Investigators also found Dubai-labelled goods in the kitchen and washrooms of the ashram. Items such as floor cleaners, perfumes, food packets, and toiletries carried “Made in Dubai” tags. Some of the packages had labels written in Urdu. This has prompted further investigation into Baba’s potential international connections, including links with Gulf countries. Officials are now looking into possible hawala transactions and foreign funding linked to the operations.

According to ATS, the accused is alleged to be the head of a religious conversion network operating in multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary findings suggest that people from poor and uneducated backgrounds were allegedly lured or pressured into conversion. Records indicate transactions totaling approximately ₹100 crore, which are now under forensic financial scrutiny. Several bank accounts are being examined to trace the flow of funds.

In a parallel move, local authorities have begun demolishing structures of the ashram identified as illegal. Portions of the ashram have already been dismantled by bulldozers. Land records and construction documents are under verification after initial discrepancies were noted. Agencies are also checking Baba’s contacts in administrative and political circles as the investigation widens.