Chhangur Baba's Rs 100-Crore Foreign-Funded Empire Under ED Scrutiny
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a vast network of benami properties and foreign funding linked to Chhangur Baba, a once-revered spiritual leader in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. Raids conducted across UP and Mumbai have revealed a web of illegal land deals, luxury properties, and covert influence operations.
Chhangur BabaEd RaidsForeign FundingReal EstateSpiritual FraudReal Estate MumbaiJul 18, 2025
In a high-profile crackdown, the ED conducted raids on 14 locations linked to Chhangur Baba, 12 in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, and two in Mumbai, on Thursday, 18 July 2025, based on a PMLA case and intelligence from the Uttar Pradesh ATS. The probe targets a suspected Rs 100-crore foreign funding racket used to finance illegal land deals, luxury properties, and mass religious conversions.
According to ED sources quoted by TOI, at least Rs 68 crore was routed through 18 Indian bank accounts, with Rs 7 crore received via foreign remittances within three months. Investigators suspect that this money was channelled to fund conversion camps disguised as cultural events, acquire real estate, and operate a covert influence network.
Chhangur Baba, once known in Balrampur for his so-called 'divine miracles,' is now accused of orchestrating one of India’s largest spiritual frauds. Recent revelations show that between 2020 and 2021, multiple properties—valued at Rs 10.11 crore—were bought in the names of close associates such as Neetu (alias Nasreen) and Naveen Rohra.
Among the seized assets are:
- 3 to 5 bighas of farmland in Madhupur,
- Residential plots in Subhash Nagar and Lalganj,
- Two commercial shops worth over Rs 2.2 crore,
- A 5400 sq. ft mansion in Madhupur,
- Baba’s personal 3000 sq. ft home in Rehra Mafi,
- And a boutique named Baba Tajuddin Aswi Collection allegedly used as a front for conversion counselling.
The probe has also spread to Mumbai, where two upscale flats linked to Shehzad Sheikh, a known aide of Baba, were raided. Properties in Kanakia Paris (Bandra East) and Rizvi Heights (Mahim West) revealed Rs 2 crore in questionable transfers. ED suspects that Balrampur resident Naveen acted as the financial conduit.
Additionally, the ED recovered expired passports of Neetu and Naveen, showing 19 trips to the UAE. Chhangur Baba is believed to have used a fake passport for travel to Dubai, allegedly to coordinate international fundraising for the conversion operations. The ED has reportedly seized documents, land records, and passports, and is now preparing to attach over Rs 40 crore worth of assets, including Chhangur Baba’s 40-room mansion. Further digital forensics is being carried out on mobile phones seized from aides, including images of Croatian currency, hinting at wider international operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the ED's investigation against Chhangur Baba?
The main focus of the ED's investigation is a suspected Rs 100-crore foreign funding racket used to finance illegal land deals, luxury properties, and mass religious conversions.
How much money was reportedly routed through Indian bank accounts?
At least Rs 68 crore was routed through 18 Indian bank accounts, with Rs 7 crore received via foreign remittances within three months.
What are some of the properties seized by the ED?
The ED has seized properties including 3 to 5 bighas of farmland in Madhupur, residential plots in Subhash Nagar and Lalganj, two commercial shops worth over Rs 2.2 crore, a 5400 sq. ft mansion in Madhupur, and Baba’s personal 3000 sq. ft home in Rehra Mafi.
What international connections have been uncovered in the investigation?
The investigation has uncovered links to the UAE, with expired passports of Neetu and Naveen showing 19 trips to the UAE, and Chhangur Baba is believed to have used a fake passport for travel to Dubai.
What is the total value of assets the ED is preparing to attach?
The ED is preparing to attach over Rs 40 crore worth of assets, including Chhangur Baba’s 40-room mansion.
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