Special Correspondent
Pune : The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered a massive religious conversion racket operating across multiple states, exposing a deeply rooted network led by a self-proclaimed spiritual leader known as ‘Changur Baba’. Along with his key associate, Neetu alias Naseerin, the godman has been arrested and remanded to seven days of police custody. Both are accused of forcibly converting people through fraud, psychological manipulation, and religious deceit, while amassing vast wealth through illegal means.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the duo has been active for over 15 years, particularly in regions of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Posing as a religious guru, Changur Baba built his influence by claiming to perform miracles and exorcisms. He preyed on people’s vulnerabilities, offering false hope and spiritual solutions to real-world problems. His associate, Naseerin, worked behind the scenes to psychologically manipulate victims, making them more susceptible to conversion through staged rituals and emotionally charged sessions. The racket targeted the poor, illiterate, and emotionally distressed, exploiting their fear and faith.
As the ATS expanded its probe, a crucial link to Maharashtra emerged. Investigators discovered that Changur Baba had not only operated in the state but had also invested heavily in real estate. One of the most alarming revelations was his purchase of land worth ₹16 crore in the popular hill town of Lonavala in Pune district. Documents confirmed the land registration was completed, but questions soon arose about the legitimacy of the transaction.
At the centre of this transaction was a man named Mohammad Khan, a resident of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Known to have been closely associated with Changur Baba, Khan was considered the godman’s accountant and local aide in Pune. However, the case took a dramatic turn when Khan himself turned whistleblower. Realising that he had also been deceived by the very man he once worked for, Khan approached authorities and exposed the inner workings of the racket.
According to Khan’s statement, Changur Baba and his team lured people into conversion through manipulation, fear tactics, and promises of divine intervention. The money collected from followers, often through donations and gifts, was funneled into real estate and other assets, creating a web of financial fraud disguised as spiritual enterprise. Khan revealed how black money was laundered and routed into high-value land deals, including the Lonavala purchase. He also provided investigators with records, contact details of associates, and information about further transactions that extended into other parts of Maharashtra.
With this new evidence, the focus of the investigation has now shifted significantly toward Pune and surrounding districts. Authorities believe that Changur Baba may have duped several individuals in Maharashtra, using the same religious manipulation tactics. A special investigation team has been formed to track his financial movements, identify accomplices, and gather details about illegal properties linked to his name.
The ATS is now delving deeper into the godman’s nationwide network, aiming to trace the full scope of operations. They are examining money trails, questioning associates, and gathering information about victims who were forcibly converted. Officials have indicated that more arrests are likely, and the case may soon involve central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate if further evidence of large-scale money laundering emerges.
The case has sparked outrage and concern, especially as it highlights how blind faith and spiritual desperation were exploited for financial gain. What initially appeared to be a religious issue has now unraveled into a complex web of deceit, black money, and manipulation. With property worth crores and a trail of victims left behind, the Changur Baba racket serves as a chilling reminder of how easily faith can be weaponized when placed in the wrong hands. The full extent of his operations in Maharashtra is yet to be uncovered, but what is clear is that the damage runs deep — both spiritually and economically.
