The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a sweeping operation on Thursday, raiding 14 locations across Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai in a high-profile money laundering probe targeting an alleged religious conversion racket masterminded by Jalaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba. The early-morning raids, backed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams for security, zeroed in on 12 sites in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district and two in Mumbai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED’s investigation focuses on Jalaluddin, also known as Karimulla Shah, who is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated illegal conversion network from the Chand Auliya Dargah in Balrampur. Authorities allege he amassed over Rs 106 crore, primarily from Middle Eastern sources, funneled through 40 bank accounts linked to him and his associates. The operation reportedly involved large gatherings of Indian and foreign nationals, raising concerns about communal harmony and national security.

Jalaluddin, his son Mehboob, and associates Naveen (alias Jamaluddin) and Neetu (alias Nasreen) were recently arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and remain in custody. The ED’s raids aim to unravel the financial web behind the racket, with further action expected as the agency digs deeper into the accused’s transactions and assets.

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