Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Lucknow Zonal Unit on Thursday conducted searches at 14 locations, 12 in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district and two in Mumbai, in connection with an alleged religious conversion racket linked to self-styled godman Jamaluddin Shah, also known as Chhangur Baba.

ED Raids Underway In Mahim & Bandra

According to officials, the raids began around 5 am and were carried out at multiple locations in Utraula, Madhupur village, Rehramafi village, and other areas of Balrampur district. The two locations in Mumbai, Bandra and Mahim, are linked to a man identified as Shehzad Sheikh. Sheikh, who was present at the Bandra residence, is also being questioned by ED.

₹2 Cr Transferred From Chhangur Baba’s Aide

During the investigation, officials detected financial transactions amounting to Rs 2 crore in Shehzad Sheikh’s bank account. The funds were allegedly transferred from an account held by Naveen Rohra alias Jamaluddin, a known associate of Chhangur Baba and an accused in the ongoing religious conversion case.

Preliminary findings indicate that the funds were intended for property purchases, with a portion later diverted to multiple other accounts. The ED is currently tracing the money trail to determine the origin of the funds, their purpose, and the network of individuals involved.

Officials suspect that the transactions may be part of a larger conspiracy involving coercive religious conversions and illegal financial operations. Digital devices, property-related documents, and banking records have been seized during the searches for further examination.

During the searches at 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh, the ED recovered a significant volume of land-related documents, unaccounted cash, and crucial digital evidence believed suspected to be linked to the alleged religious conversion network.

The agency is also focusing on Chhangur Baba’s close associates, followers, and ashram managers, examining their bank accounts, property holdings, and financial transactions. Investigators are probing suspected foreign funding routes, with preliminary findings indicating inflows from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal  raising serious concerns about cross-border financing of the alleged conversion operations.

Mumbai: In a major relief for Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all on-street parking payments in the city will soon be made through FASTag, eliminating the menace of fake parking attendants and manual cash transactions.

Under the new system, vehicle owners parking at designated BMC lots will have to scan a QR code linked to their vehicle’s FASTag account, through which the parking fee will be automatically deducted. The initiative aims to curb rampant overcharging, bribery and unauthorised parking agents who often fleece citizens under the guise of official parking staff.

“We’ve received numerous complaints from citizens about bogus parking attendants charging arbitrary fees. By switching to FASTag-based payment, we are bringing transparency, safety, and convenience to the parking experience,” a senior BMC official told Maharashtra Times.

The new digital parking model will first be rolled out at selected BMC-managed parking lots and later expanded citywide, covering over 100 official parking zones. A dedicated app will also be launched to help Mumbaikars locate available slots, check rates and get digital receipts for all transactions.

Currently, parking violations and extortion rackets have been a persistent problem across Mumbai, particularly in high-traffic areas like Dadar, Andheri, CST and Bandra, where illegal parking agents pose as civic staff.

Authorities believe this move will plug revenue leaks, improve compliance and reduce traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking practices.

With this shift, Mumbaikars can expect a more secure, cashless and scam-free parking experience powered by technology and accountability.

Mumbai: Opposition leaders staged a dramatic protest on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan on Wednesday, condemning the recent assault by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on a canteen manager. The protestors, dressed in red lungis and vests, mimicked Gaikwad’s attire in the viral video where he was seen physically attacking the manager over stale dal served at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen.

Opposition leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad, led the protest. Chanting slogans like “We Condemn the Chaddi Baniyan Gang,” the leaders called out Gaikwad’s behaviour as unbecoming of a public representative and demanded strict action.

What Is The Controversy?

The controversy erupted last Tuesday when Gaikwad allegedly assaulted the canteen manager with punches and kicks, enraged over what he claimed was stale and substandard food. Though a non-cognisable offence was registered by the Marine Drive police, neither the assaulted manager nor the catering contractor filed an official complaint.

Gaikwad later defended his actions, claiming that the poor food quality was a long-standing issue, despite multiple complaints over the years. “I’ve been eating there for 30 years, and nothing has improved,” he asserted, warning he would react the same way again if faced with similar circumstances.

Sena UBT Demanded Sanjay Gaikwad’s Suspension

The incident triggered widespread backlash after the assault video circulated on social media, drawing criticism from across party lines. In the state assembly, Shiv Sena UBT leader Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s immediate suspension, stating that such violence sets a dangerous precedent. “This is not just about food; it’s about accountability and public trust in elected representatives,” Parab said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said that Gaikwad’s conduct was unacceptable. “It tarnishes the image of the legislature and affects public confidence,” he said during the assembly proceedings.