ED Raids 14 Locations in Chhangur Baba Case, Focus on Shocking ₹2 Crore Money Trail

ED intensifies probe in the Chhangur Baba case, conducting 14 raids across multiple locations to trace a suspicious ₹2 crore money transfer linked to alleged financial irregularities

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches on 14 premises – 12 in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur and two in Mumbai – in connection with the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. The raids began at 5 am in Utraula in Balrampur and in Bandra and Mahim in Mumbai.

The ED has alleged that around Rs 2 crore was transferred from the bank account of Naveen, an accused in the conversion racket, to a person named Shehzad Sheikh.

The agency is conducting searches at both of Shehzad Sheikh’s residences – one in Bandra and another in Rizvi Heights, Mahim. Shehzad Sheikh, who was present at his Bandra residence, is also being questioned by the ED.

Chhangur Baba, alias Jamaluddin, a spiritual leader from Balrampur, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale religious conversion racket. He particularly targeted Scheduled Castes and economically weaker sections.

Co-accused Neetu alias Nasreen, and her husband Naveen, have also been arrested by the UP ATS.

Based on the UP ATS complaint, the ED registered a case on July 9 to probe money laundering offences linked to the alleged conversion racket.

Officials said Chhangur Baba amassed assets worth over Rs 100 crore in a few years, allegedly through foreign funding.

The spiritual leader has, however, denied any wrongdoing. “I am innocent. I don’t know anything,” Chhangur Baba told reporters on Wednesday in his first remarks after his arrest.

The enforcement action comes days after initial leads from financial intelligence units flagged suspicious high-value transactions from accounts linked to individuals and entities associated with Chhangur Baba, who has recently come under national spotlight for alleged misuse of spiritual authority, illegal asset acquisition, and unaccounted donations from followers.

Sources within the ED confirmed that the raids were conducted in a coordinated manner at 14 premises including Chhangur Baba’s ashrams, residences of close aides, financial handlers, and certain benami properties located in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. Officials say that documents, digital evidence, cash, and gold were seized during the operation, and preliminary analysis points to a web of transactions involving fake identities and shell firms.

The ED is working under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, after taking cognizance of earlier FIRs registered by local police, which include charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery.

At the heart of the investigation lies a ₹2 crore transaction believed to have been routed through multiple bank accounts, allegedly to hide its origin and beneficiary. The funds reportedly moved through five layers of accounts, including those of charitable trusts, private firms with no operational records, and personal accounts of associates of Chhangur Baba.

ED officials suspect this could be just the tip of the iceberg. Preliminary findings suggest the transaction may be part of a larger financial racket, involving not just tax evasion but possible donation laundering, wherein cash collected from devotees is systematically siphoned off and parked in real estate, luxury items, and offshore assets.

Chhangur Baba, whose real name is Chhangur Yadav, gained fame over the past decade as a mystical guru known for his alleged healing powers and predictions. His followers span across multiple North Indian states. Over the years, his influence expanded significantly, drawing large crowds and receiving massive donations in both cash and kind.

However, controversies have followed. Multiple complaints were filed over the past two years alleging land grabbing, sexual harassment, and financial fraud. While some cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence or political shielding, recent public outcry and media attention have forced enforcement agencies to reopen dormant files and initiate a more aggressive crackdown.

The timing of the ED raids has raised eyebrows in political circles, as some opposition parties allege selective targeting of religious figures. However, ED sources insist that the case is being pursued purely on the basis of credible financial intelligence and banking irregularities, not religious belief or political affiliation.

A senior ED officer speaking on condition of anonymity said, “We are not targeting any religious community. We are following the money. If there is a legitimate source and utilization of funds, the investigation will confirm it. But in this case, we’ve traced multiple suspicious entries amounting to over ₹2 crore, with no clear justification or accounting.”

According to official sources, the raids have led to the seizure of:

Over ₹45 lakh in unaccounted cash
Gold and silver jewellery worth ₹28 lakh
Dozens of land deeds and property registration papers
Digital storage devices containing transaction records
Documents suggesting overseas fund transfers

ED teams are now examining these materials to establish the source and purpose of the ₹2 crore transfer, along with any potential foreign links or hawala connections.

The probe has also turned attention toward two charitable trusts registered under Chhangur Baba’s name, which claimed to work in the areas of education, rural development, and spiritual welfare. ED officials say these trusts may have been used as a front to convert illicit cash into white money.

Bank records show significant deposits made during festival seasons and spiritual events, which were subsequently withdrawn or transferred to unrelated business entities with no formal ties to the trusts.

One such firm, reportedly registered at a non-existent address in Kanpur, received over ₹48 lakh in staggered payments, raising serious red flags for investigators.

While enforcement action continues, supporters of Chhangur Baba gathered outside his primary ashram in Jaunpur, chanting slogans and claiming the raids are a conspiracy to defame a spiritual leader. “He is a saint, not a criminal. The government is afraid of his growing influence,” said one devotee.

However, legal activists and whistleblowers have welcomed the ED’s move. “For too long, spiritual fronts have been misused to hide black money. This case could set a precedent for cleaning up such abuse,” said Ravi Upadhyay, an advocate who had earlier filed a PIL seeking probe into Baba’s finances.

The ED is likely to summon several key individuals in the coming days for questioning, including financial managers and property dealers linked to Chhangur Baba. A forensic audit of the trusts’ financial records is also underway, and the agency may seek to attach properties believed to be bought using laundered money.

If proven, charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA Act could lead to imprisonment up to 7 years and seizure of all tainted assets.

ED Raids 14 Locations in Chhangur Baba Case, Focus on Shocking ₹2 Crore Money Trail