The ATS moved swiftly after arresting Chhangur Baba and Neetu on 5 July, discovering a fortified mansion in Utraula used for conversion sessions. Official sources reveal evidence of “conversion counselling” rooms, coded instructions like “project” and “kajal,” and indoctrination materials such as the self‑published Shijr‑e‑Tayyaba. A detailed ATS roster pinpoints property acquisitions across Maharashtra—including Nagpur and Pune—and districts along the Nepal border, suggesting a network worth at least ₹100 crore in benami transactions.
The syndicate’s international connectivity has now drawn the Enforcement Directorate, which conducted raids at 14 locations on 16 July, including Mumbai and regions of Uttar Pradesh. Investigators seized financial records indicating approximately ₹106 crore in foreign transactions, suspected to have fuelled illegal conversion campaigns. Meanwhile, ATS teams continue to trace the financial labyrinth, visiting Maharashtra to scrutinise alleged front organisations, and examining land deals linked to Sangita Devi, spouse of a Balrampur court clerk.
Security agencies also flagged alarming connections to Pakistan's ISI. Intelligence suggests Chhangur Baba had attempted to forge ties with operatives across the Nepal border, planning to marry converted women into sleeper‑cell networks. He is said to have travelled to Kathmandu for liaison meetings, aiming to facilitate indoctrination on both Indian and Nepalese soil.
Targeting opposition voices, the syndicate allegedly employed intimidation tactics. Harjeet Kashyap, who had spoken out against the operation, was assaulted on 7 July near Utraula by men aligned with Baba’s network. He was threatened with “burying him in the soil” if he did not retract his testimony, lodged via the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Authorities confirmed the complaint is under active investigation.
Chhangur Baba and Neetu have maintained their innocence. Baba declared, “I am innocent. I don’t know anything,” outside a Lucknow court, dismissing the charges as fabrications. He claims foreign contributions were directed solely to religious gatherings and not conversions—an alibi that ATS officials reject, citing multiple international tour records, including Nepal‑issued passports and Dubai visits, as substantiating the covert agenda.
The syndicate reportedly operated for over 15 years, with investigative raids revealing over 70 rooms in the Balrampur mansion equipped with CCTV systems, a mini power station, electrified walls and imported furnishings—an indication of its resources and ambition. The structure, assessed at approximately ₹3 crore, was demolished by local authorities, who ceased work upon completing removal of 1,500 sq ft of illegal construction.
Central and state agencies appear poised to intensify collaboration. Uttar Pradesh’s DGP Rajeev Krishna has signalled willingness to involve specialised federal bodies, reflecting the case’s escalating complexity. The ED is expected to initiate attachment proceedings, while ATS expands its probe into border districts—Pilibhit, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar—alongside continued work in Maharashtra.
Whistle‑blowers further amplify the case’s gravity. A former aide, Mohammad Ahmad Khan, has claimed to expose land grabs and shell funding networks in the so‑called Rabbani gang, alleging coercion and terror‑style influence backed by photographic evidence. His statements hint at entrenched political and administrative collusion, calling into question local oversight.
The unfolding legal and security actions—ATS interrogations, ED raids, property demolitions—have debilitated the core of the network. Yet, analysts warn that the structure’s financial depth and cross‑border spread may hinder swift dismantling. With detainees facing potential terror and financial offence charges, investigators must unravel complex funding conduits and transnational operative links.
Through multi‑agency coordination, officials aim to detect any residual cells or sympathisers. The case underscores a broader counter‑radicalisation push, spotlighting how extremist organisations exploit spiritual fronts underwritten by covert foreign funding. As proceedings advance, several courts juggle overlapping criminal, financial and national‑security charges—reflecting the multi‑layered challenge posed by Chhangur Baba’s syndicate.