UP Conversion Racket: 'Mastermind' Chhangur Baba 'Gave Money to Politicians, Top Cop'- Here's What 'Red Diary' Revealed

Days after the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Chhangur Baba (alias Jamaluddin), the alleged mastermind of a gang orchestrating illegal religious conversions by offering financial inducements to vulnerable women and children—mostly from the Hindu community—investigative agencies have unearthed a red diary containing the names of several politicians and former officials who allegedly received financial backing from Chhangur Baba during the 2022 state Assembly elections.

Earlier, investigative agencies discovered that Chhangur Baba had received Rs 106 crore in foreign funding.

Multiple agencies, including the ATS, the Special Task Force (STF), and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), are examining this diary, which may reveal how the ₹106 crore in foreign funds were used.

According to reports, Chhangur Baba used to sell rings and amulets from a bicycle but has since built a multi-crore business empire. His meteoric rise is attributed to donations from Middle Eastern countries.

Investigations have revealed that he maintained over 40 active bank accounts, through which approximately Rs 106 crore was routed.

The ED's investigation into Chhangur Baba has exposed extensive financial irregularities and political connections. Official estimates value two of his properties—one in Balrampur and another in Maharashtra's Lonavala—at over Rs 18 crore. The Lonavala property, purchased in August 2023, was registered jointly with an associate.

A key figure, Mohammad Ahmed Khan, sold the Lonavala land to Baba and is suspected of channelling funds into his accounts. The probe centres on the "red diary", which allegedly documents political patronage, listing payments to at least six politicians. One entry shows Rs 90 lakh paid to a former candidate from the Utraula constituency for the 2022 Assembly elections. Despite the candidate's loss, Baba reportedly planned to support a former IPS officer in the 2027 elections from the same seat.

Baba allegedly funded political campaigns across Balrampur and neighbouring constituencies, financing candidates and mobilising followers for both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. His connections extended to gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in 2023.

Arrested on July 5, alongside Neetu (alias Nasreen), Baba faces charges of orchestrating illegal religious conversions, targeting vulnerable groups—widows, daily-wage labourers, and Scheduled Castes—using money, coercion, and false promises of marriage.

The ED initiated a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) inquiry on 9th July, examining whether funds were routed through shell entities in possible violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

Simultaneous raids were conducted at 14 locations across Utraula and Mumbai on July 17. Authorities also demolished sections of an illegally constructed complex in Madhupur village, built on government land.