UP ATS Probes High-Profile Religious Conversion Case in Gonda

Gonda (UP), Jul 17 (PTI): In the context of the high-profile religious conversion investigation underway in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district, the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) took action by visiting Gonda district in pursuit of a suspected associate of the main accused, Jalaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, according to official reports.

The ATS team arrived on Wednesday to locate Ramzan, whose connection to Jalaluddin's network emerged during the investigation. However, it was disclosed that Ramzan had passed away the previous year. The ATS subsequently collected pertinent documents and data before departing, as per sources.

Ramzan, a resident of Retwagadha village, was known to be involved in playing the dhol (a traditional drum) at events such as qawwalis and jagrans. In 2023, he attended a program in Azamgarh with his brother, which was reportedly disrupted by Bajrang Dal members due to suspicions of conversion activities.

Law enforcement intervened, lodged an FIR, and incarcerated Ramzan. After serving nearly eight months in jail, he was released on bail on January 3, 2024.

His family reported that following his release, his health deteriorated, leading to his death on March 4, 2024.

Upon learning of Ramzan's demise and gathering details about him, the ATS also sought information about another individual with the same name from a nearby hamlet, who had been interrogated by the counterterrorism squad in April.

While local police have not officially confirmed the ongoing investigation, Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal stated that the ATS functions autonomously and only shares updates with the civil police when deemed necessary. He pledged full cooperation with the agency.

Jalaluddin, whose birth name is Karimulla Shah, originates from Balrampur and is accused of masterminding an "illegal" religious conversion ring within the state.

Jalaluddin, along with his son Mehboob and associates Naveen, also known as Jamaluddin, and Neetu, also known as Nasreen, were recently apprehended by the UP ATS and are currently incarcerated.

The Enforcement Directorate, investigating the preacher's financial dealings and affiliations, reported that he accumulated funds totaling approximately Rs 106 crore. Most of these funds were sourced from the Middle East across 40 bank accounts associated with him and his affiliates.

The agency alleged that Jalaluddin established a comprehensive network based at the 'Chand Auliya Dargah' in Balrampur, where he frequently organized significant gatherings with attendees from both India and abroad.