Nagpur/UP: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Saturday arrested Idhu Islam, a close associate of Chhangur Baba (alias Jamaluddin), from Nagpur, Maharashtra, as part of its ongoing probe into an alleged religious conversion racket operating across Uttar Pradesh and other states. The arrest was executed by a joint operation involving local police, the Maharashtra ATS, and the Uttar Pradesh ATS, officials said.
Authorities allege that Idhu Islam played a central role in managing funds, logistics, and coordination for the network, which reportedly targeted individuals for conversion through a variety of coercive and manipulative methods.
Background of the Case
The investigation into the syndicate gained momentum after a series of arrests last year. On July 20, 2025, the UP ATS had apprehended Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay, an accused linked to the conversion network. Subsequently, Chhangur Baba and his close aide Neetu alias Nasreen, considered the masterminds behind the operations, were arrested in Uttar Pradesh.
The gang, according to the Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order Amitabh Yash, had been operating for over 15 years, employing a range of strategies including:
- Honey-trapping vulnerable individuals.
- Administrative pressure on families and local officials.
- Targeting minors for religious conversion.
- Involving influential intermediaries to facilitate conversions.
“The gang was well-organized, with separate financial plans for different types of conversions,” ADG Yash said. Investigators have traced a significant amount of foreign funding used to support these activities, which was routed through approximately 40 bank accounts across different jurisdictions.
Financial Trail and Seizures
Authorities indicated that the network’s financial operations were highly structured, with rate cards reportedly existing for different types of conversions. Any properties allegedly acquired using these funds are now subject to seizure and demolition under legal provisions, the ATS confirmed.
Chhangur Baba, along with his key associates including Neetu alias Nasreen and Mohammed Ahmed, is expected to be interrogated extensively regarding the network, its financial trail, and assets. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also requested a copy of the FIR to initiate a parallel investigation into the financial aspects of the racket.
“The process to seize and demolish illegally acquired properties has already begun,” ADG Yash stated, emphasizing that all individuals against whom there is evidence have been apprehended.
Role of Idhu Islam
The latest arrest of Idhu Islam marks a critical development in dismantling the syndicate. According to police sources, he was responsible for the day-to-day management of funds and coordination across states, acting as the logistical backbone for Chhangur Baba’s network. His apprehension from Nagpur highlights the interstate nature of the racket, which required collaboration between the UP and Maharashtra ATS units.
Officials indicated that Islam’s interrogation could provide vital information about untraced financial transactions, property holdings, and other accomplices still at large.
Political and Social Context
The case has drawn attention due to its scale, longevity, and alleged exploitation of minors and vulnerable communities. Law enforcement agencies have underscored the syndicate’s sophisticated structure, which allegedly enabled it to operate undetected for over a decade.
The investigation also points to systematic coordination with influential individuals, which allowed the network to maintain its activities while avoiding scrutiny. Authorities are currently reviewing the connections between the network’s operations and foreign funding, which could have implications under India’s anti-money laundering and foreign contribution regulations.
Ongoing Investigation
The ATS and ED are continuing their probe, with a focus on:
- Tracing the full financial network of the gang.
- Identifying properties purchased using illicit funds.
- Interrogating key associates to determine the scale of operations.
- Ensuring compliance with legal procedures for freezing assets and prosecuting accused individuals.
Authorities have emphasized that further arrests and seizures are likely as the investigation progresses. The case has also raised broader questions about interstate coordination between law enforcement agencies to tackle complex syndicates operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Summary
The arrest of Idhu Islam, coupled with prior apprehensions of Chhangur Baba, Neetu alias Nasreen, and Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay, marks a significant breakthrough in dismantling a longstanding religious conversion syndicate in India. With the involvement of both the UP and Maharashtra ATS, and scrutiny from the ED regarding financial irregularities, authorities aim to completely unravel the network, seize illicit assets, and ensure accountability for all participants.
The case has highlighted the sophistication, interstate reach, and financial planning behind the syndicate, and authorities have stressed that strict legal action will follow to prevent similar operations in the future.
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