In a major operation spanning multiple states, the Uttar Pradesh Police on July 19 busted a large-scale illegal religious conversion and radicalisation network allegedly operating along lines similar to those used by ISIS. The multi-agency crackdown, led by the Agra Police and supported by specialised units such as the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Special Task Force (STF), resulted in the arrest of ten individuals from six different Indian states.
The probe began in March this year, following the mysterious disappearance of two sisters aged 33 and 18 from Agra. As the case unfolded, investigators uncovered a disturbing pattern of religious coercion and radical indoctrination. According to Agra Commissioner of Police Deepak Kumar, the younger sister had even set a profile picture on her social media account showing a girl holding an AK-47 rifle.
“Preliminary investigations found that the sisters were targeted by a gang involved in love jihad and radicalisation,” Commissioner Deepak Kumar told reporters.
“Their methods of conversion and indoctrination are consistent with ISIS-style tactics,” he added.
Foreign Funding Trail and Nationwide Network
In what has deepened the concern of security agencies, Commissioner Kumar revealed that the radicalisation network had been receiving substantial foreign funding.
“We also found clues about their funding originating from America and Canada,” he said, hinting at an international nexus that could include ideological and financial sponsors abroad.
Uttar Pradesh | Two more arrests made by UP ATS in connection with the unlawful religious conversion syndicate of Chhangur. Sabroz and Shahbuddin were arrested from Balrampur district. pic.twitter.com/A0syO4sLmc
— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2025
The arrested individuals played various roles within the operation. Police sources confirmed that some were responsible for receiving illegal funds, others provided shelter to recruits, while a few acted as legal advisors and facilitators of conversion and indoctrination processes.
“Each member of the network had a defined role, pointing to a well-structured operation,” said a senior STF officer.
Ten Arrested so Far
The operation resulted in arrests across multiple states:
Rajasthan: 3 individuals arrested
Uttar Pradesh: 2 individuals arrested
West Bengal: 2 individuals arrested
Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Goa: 1 individual each
The accused are currently being interrogated to extract further details about the extent of the network and its leadership.
Mission Asmita and Statewide Crackdown
The crackdown forms part of Mission Asmita, a flagship initiative launched by the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government. The mission aims to identify and eliminate threats linked to illegal religious conversions, radicalisation, love jihad, and foreign-funded attempts to destabilise social harmony and national security.
Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna addressed the media on Saturday evening, confirming that central intelligence agencies have also been alerted and are collaborating with the state police.
“We are coordinating with multiple state and central agencies. The scope of the racket is much larger, and we will be seeking custodial remand of the accused for sustained interrogation,” DGP Krishna said.
Digital Traces and Psychological Indoctrination
According to the forensic analysis of the victims’ devices, investigators found numerous digital footprints of religious indoctrination, including extremist videos, hate sermons, and encrypted communication with handlers operating from abroad. One of the sisters was reportedly manipulated through emotional and psychological coercion under the garb of a romantic relationship, commonly referred to as ‘love jihad’ by investigators.
The investigation team also confirmed that some of the victims were trained to adopt alternate identities and were provided shelter at safe houses across the country.
Possible Links to Earlier Cases
Police reports suggest that this network may have overlaps with previous radicalisation cases detected in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, where foreign-funded conversion modules with ideological links to extremist networks had been uncovered. Investigators are now examining if the arrested individuals have prior criminal records or connections to known extremist outfits.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have initiated legal proceedings under sections related to unlawful religious conversion, criminal conspiracy, sedition, and violations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). More arrests are expected in the coming days.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from political leaders and civil society. BJP leaders have called for an NIA probe, while some opposition leaders have questioned the state’s narrative, calling for transparency and judicial oversight.
Meanwhile, Hindu organisations have demanded stricter enforcement of anti-conversion laws and heightened surveillance over suspicious NGO funding.
“This is not just a law and order issue. It’s a matter of national security. Innocent girls are being used as pawns in a dangerous game,” said Mahant Rajeshwaranand from VHP.
As the investigation deepens, the UP Police have hinted at further revelations involving digital platforms, foreign handlers, and shell organisations being used as fronts. Central agencies are likely to take over parts of the investigation as international elements are uncovered.
For now, the focus remains on unravelling the full extent of the conspiracy, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and ensuring that those exploiting religion and ideology for criminal ends are brought to justice.
The Chhangur Baba Case
In a major escalation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 18 and 19, 2025, carried out coordinated raids at 14 to 15 locations linked to Jamaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, in Balrampur, Lucknow and Mumbai, as part of a Rs 100-crore money‑laundering and foreign‑funded religious conversion investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Authorities unearthed suspicious transactions across 22 bank accounts, identifying over Rs 60-68 crore in total funding, including approximately Rs 7 crore from foreign sources. These funds were allegedly used to acquire properties, luxury assets, and finance conversion activities. Documents seized indicate immovable assets were registered in associates’ names, such as Naveen and Neetu Rohra, to conceal Chhangur Baba’s involvement.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh ATS, backed by the STF and IB/NIA, has accused Chhangur Baba of orchestrating an elaborate illegal conversion racket over more than a decade, coercing and inducing over 1,500 Hindu women, mostly from Scheduled Castes and other vulnerable groups, targeting specific caste categories through a conversion rate‑card ranging from Rs 8 to 16 lakh per person.
Investigations further revealed a Swiss bank account held by his son, purportedly funded from Sharjah, as well as overseas travel and intricate Hawala networks. The ATS claims Chhangur Baba promulgated extremist literature such as Shijra‑e‑Tayyaba and operated from a lavish training centre and mansion near Chand Auliya Dargah.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against state officials suspected of colluding or turning a blind eye.
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