Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Jul 6: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an organised religious conversion racket, along with his aide Neetu alias Nasreen. Both hail from Madhpur in Balrampur district.

According to officials, a non-bailable warrant had been issued against Jalaluddin, and a cash reward of Rs 50,000 was declared for his arrest. The duo was produced in court and has been sent to Lucknow District Jail following police remand.

The case, filed at Gomtinagar Police Station in Lucknow under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, alleges that the accused were involved in forceful and deceitful conversions to Islam.

The ATS stated that poor labourers, women from weaker sections, and widows were lured with financial incentives, promises of marriage, or were coerced through threats, all in violation of legal procedures for religious conversion.

Two other accused in the case—Naveen alias Jamaluddin and Mehboob, Jalaluddin’s son—were arrested earlier in April and remain lodged in Lucknow District Jail.