Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has unearthed a massive religious conversion network allegedly operated by self-styled godman Jalaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, who is accused of targeting young Hindu women using coded language and false promises of a better life.

According to ATS officials, the accused used cryptic terms to conceal the nature of his operations during conversations with his associates, reported India Today.

For instance, “project” referred to the women being targeted, “mitti palatna” meant conversion, “kajal karna” was code for mental manipulation, and “deedar” signified a personal meeting with him, the report said.

Investigators say Chhangur Baba lured women with the promise of marriage, jobs, scholarships, or opportunities to study in Islamic seminaries. Some were assured assistance in securing employment overseas, particularly in Gulf countries. He also cited ties in Nepal and the Middle East to boost credibility, according to the report.

These revelations are part of a wider investigation into what officials describe as a highly organised and well-financed conversion syndicate.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the accused for money laundering and accumulation of wealth believed to exceed ₹100 crore.

Much of the funding, the ED claims, came through illegal hawala channels from Nepal and was used to target marginalised Hindu communities for conversion.

Authorities say Chhangur Baba operated from the Chand Auliya Dargah and managed over 100 bank accounts across India and Nepal.

In the past three years alone, the network allegedly received around ₹500 crore in foreign funds — ₹300 crore through illegal routes in border districts like Kathmandu and Banke, and ₹200 crore via legal channels, the report said.

Officials believe these funds originated from countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE.

Chhangur Baba and his close aide Neetu, also known as Nasreen, were arrested from a Lucknow hotel on July 5 and remain in custody.

The ATS has identified at least 40 bank accounts linked to the accused, with balances totalling ₹106 crore, and is analysing digital devices to unravel the broader network.

In a sweeping crackdown, the state government has begun demolishing properties linked to the accused.

A 40-room mansion worth ₹5 crore in Balrampur was bulldozed, while other assets in Bahraich and nearby districts are under investigation.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has condemned Chhangur Baba’s actions, calling them “anti-national.”

Central agencies, including the ED, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are now working in coordination to trace the full reach of the alleged syndicate, both in India and abroad, according to the India Today report.