The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a major operation on Thursday (July 17) in connection with the Changur Baba religious conversion case, carrying out searches at 14 locations- 12 in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur, and two in Mumbai. The raids began at around 5:00 am, targeting individuals and properties allegedly linked to illegal religious conversions and financial irregularities.
Rs 2 crore transaction under ED radar
The investigation uncovered a suspicious transaction involving Rs 2 crore, transferred from the bank account of the accused Naveen to the account of one Shehzad Sheikh. The sizeable transfer raised red flags for potential hawala dealings tied to conversion-related activities.
Shehzad Sheikh’s Bandra and Mahim homes searched
As part of the probe, ED officials are conducting searches at two residences of Shehzad Sheikh- one in Bandra and the other in Rizvi Heights, Mahim, Mumbai. Sheikh is currently being questioned at his Bandra home by ED officers in connection with the fund flow and its intended use.
Conversion, funding, and financial irregularities under lens
The case is centered around allegations of organised religious conversions, possibly financed through illegal money channels. The ED suspects that hawala networks may have been used to funnel funds into such operations, prompting today's coordinated action across two states.
The investigation remains ongoing, with ED expected to make further disclosures as the search and interrogation process unfolds.
Conversion-hawala case: ED probes multi-crore transactions linked to foreign and domestic bank accounts of accused
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting an extensive investigation into multi-crore financial transactions involving both foreign and domestic bank accounts linked to Naveen Ghanshyam Rohra and his associate Neetu, in connection with the ongoing religious conversion and hawala case.
Foreign bank accounts under ED scanner
Documents reveal that Naveen holds several foreign bank accounts, including Vostro and NRE/NRO accounts, allegedly used to route large sums of money.
These accounts include-
1. Axis Bank (Vostro Account – Al Nahada 2, Sharjah Aearc)
Account No: 0040129101219
2. State Bank of India (SBI)
Account Nos: 0000039143765390, 0000039143763370 (NRE/NRO)
3. HDFC Bank (EMIRATES NBD BANK PJSC)
Account No: 00600390000259 (Vostro)
4. Axis Bank (Mashreq Bank Dubai)
Account No: 915020037219003 (Vostro)
5. EMIRATES NBD BANK (UAE)
Account No: AE670260001012556026302
6. Federal Bank UAE
Account No: 99990200000077 (Vostro)
7. Al Ansari Exchange – ICICI Bank INR Account
Account No: 0035SLVOSEFT
Domestic bank accounts tied to crore-value transactions
In India, Naveen's financial footprint includes several active bank accounts used for high-value transactions-
- Paytm Payments Bank Wallet: 9721844723 (Prime Wallet)
- Bank of Baroda: Account Nos: 407010002388, 4070100023882
- ICICI Bank: Account No: 623501549764
- HDFC Bank: Account Nos: 50200062588062, 59107192010786
ED also investigating Neetu’s financial trail
The ED is also investigating all bank accounts held by Neetu, believed to be a key figure in the same network.
Her accounts include-
- Bank of India (Savings Account): 018710110003507
- Paytm Payments Bank Wallet: 9702957349 (Prime Wallet)
- Bank of Baroda: Account Nos: 57330100011247, 57330100011248, 57330200000437
- ICICI Bank: Account No: 532501547224
- HDFC Bank: Account No: 59201982010786
- State Bank of India (SBI): Account No: 41191280851
The ED is currently tracing the origin, purpose, and routing of funds through these accounts, suspecting links to hawala operations, foreign funding, and activities related to illegal religious conversions. The financial probe is expected to expand as more evidence surfaces.
Changur Baba denies involvement in religious conversion racket, claims innocence
Jamaluddin, alias Changur Baba, recently arrested by the Uttar Pradesh ATS in connection with an alleged mass religious conversion network, has denied all charges. While being escorted for a medical check-up in Lucknow, he told reporters, “I am innocent. I don’t know anything.” He was accompanied by his associate Nasreen, also under arrest.
Foreign funding, honey-trapping and covert operations under scrutiny
According to UP ADG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, the accused operated a well-organised network for over 15 years, using tactics like honey-trapping, administrative coercion, and targeting minors. The gang reportedly maintained separate rate cards for different types of conversions and used around 40 bank accounts to route foreign funds. The ATS has secured a seven-day remand of both Changur Baba and Nasreen to probe their alleged operations, funding trails, and illegal property holdings.
Properties to be seized, ED joins probe amid Nepal border concerns
Authorities have begun the seizure and demolition of illegally acquired properties linked to the suspects. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also sought a copy of the FIR to launch a parallel financial investigation.
ADG Yash raised concerns about demographic shifts in areas near the Nepal border, suggesting the possibility of a larger conspiracy. Another accused, Mohammed Ahmed, has also been named, with further arrests expected as the probe continues.
