80% Illegal Structures by Alleged Conversion Racket Leader Razed

Balrampur (UP), Jul 10 (PTI) - The district administration in Balrampur has successfully knocked down approximately 80 percent of illegal structures on government land reportedly occupied by Jalaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba. He has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind a religious conversion racket, which the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) dismantled, according to an official on Thursday.

Efforts to clear the encroachments have been vigorous, with eight bulldozers employed to remove constructions that spanned over an area of roughly one acre. The operation commenced on Tuesday, and as reported by a senior official, on the first day, 20 percent of the illegal structures were demolished. By Wednesday, this figure had risen to 80 percent, with work continuing until the land is completely regained.

Additional Superintendent of Police Vishal Pandey revealed that a complaint was lodged against Chhangur Baba, accusing him of capturing government property in Madhyapur village. An investigation substantiated these claims.

On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh ATS obtained a week-long custody of both Jalaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, and his accomplice Neetu, also known as Nasreen.

In total, four individuals have been apprehended concerning the case. While Jalaluddin and Nasreen were arrested the previous Saturday, their co-conspirators Naveen, also known as Jamaluddin, and Jalaluddin's son Mehboob had been detained since April.

The authorities suspect the accused of operating systematically to convert people from Hindu and other non-Muslim communities to Islam. The investigators assert that the racket preyed on economically disadvantaged laborers, widows, and vulnerable persons, allegedly using coercion, deceptive financial promises, or manipulation through marriage propensities.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commented on the preliminary findings, stating, "The activities of the accused Jalaluddin are revealed to be against both society and the nation." The Chief Minister assured that there will be zero tolerance concerning law and order issues within the state, emphasizing that all properties linked to the accused and his network will face seizure, alongside stringent legal action.

The case has been documented at the ATS police station in Gomtinagar, Lucknow. Charges filed include BNS Sections 121A (conspiracy to wage war against the state), 153A (encouraging enmity), 417 (cheating), 420 (deception), along with clauses from the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.