Dhami Calls For Stricter Anti-conversion Law In Uttarakhand As Chhangur Baba Network Expands

Dehradun: Amid reports of Chhangur Baba’s religious conversion network operating in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday called for making the state's anti-conversion law more stringent. Dhami stated that, as an international border state, Uttarakhand must take all necessary steps to prevent demographic shifts caused by organised religious conversions, particularly in light of recent incidents and findings by enforcement agencies.

Reports of Chhangur Baba's conversion syndicate being active in the Himalayan state have prompted the BJP-led Uttarakhand government to review the anti-conversion law enacted in 2024. In a high-level meeting with senior bureaucrats in Dehradun on Monday, the Chief Minister asserted, "Uttarakhand is a border state and the Devbhumi of Sanatan Dharma. Any attempt to alter its demography must be firmly countered, and the culprits will be dealt with severely. In light of recent developments, immediate steps must be taken to strengthen the anti-conversion law. The existing law could be reviewed and made more stringent."

Dhami instructed the police to remain vigilant and monitor the activities of suspicious and subversive elements. "Innocent citizens lured or trapped by anti-social elements involved in illegal religious conversions must be provided with socio-religious counselling and proper guidance," he added.

The Chief Minister further emphasised that Operation Kalnemi had successfully exposed impostor religious figures operating in disguise and had aided enforcement agencies in bringing such individuals to justice. “This campaign must continue, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be constituted at the state police headquarters to monitor it,” he said.

Officials present at the meeting noted that Dhami's directive to revisit the anti-conversion law was influenced by the recent arrests of individuals associated with Chhangur Baba’s network in Uttarakhand. Additionally, according to one official, the Chief Minister was also concerned about revelations made by Uttar Pradesh Police regarding the alleged aim of Chhangur Baba’s syndicate to convert India into an Islamic nation.