India’s False Allegations Against Pakistan and the Suppression of Religious Minorities: The Case of Chhangur Baba

The arrest of Jalaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba, by India’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in July 2025 raises serious concerns about the Indian government’s treatment of religious minorities. Baba was accused of religious coercion and financial crimes, with accusations linking him to Pakistan. However, the charges seem to fit a wider pattern of targeting Muslim leaders under unfounded claims. This article critiques the political motivations behind these accusations and examines their broader impact on India’s treatment of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians.

The Allegations: A Convenient Target

Chhangur Baba, a well-known Muslim leader in India and Nepal, was arrested on charges of forcing Hindu women to convert to Islam under false promises. Indian authorities claimed he funneled Rs. 300 crore through illegal networks allegedly linked to Pakistan’s ISI. These allegations, however, remain largely unproven and seem aimed at discrediting Baba. India’s narrative links the leader to Pakistan, using his case to fuel nationalist sentiments and deflect attention from its internal issues, particularly the treatment of religious minorities.

A Pattern of Accusations Against Pakistan

This case fits into India’s broader strategy of using Pakistan as a scapegoat for internal problems. Every incident of dissent or religious activity by Muslims is often linked to Pakistan, with no solid evidence to support these claims. By framing such incidents as part of a wider conspiracy involving Pakistan, India aims to justify its repressive measures. In Chhangur Baba’s case, dossiers were shared with the Nepali government, putting pressure on them to investigate religious activities. This regional effort seeks to control religious discourse beyond India’s borders, creating a sense of constant suspicion and fear.

Selective Enforcement of Religious Freedom

India’s approach to religious freedom is clearly biased. The state frequently targets Muslim and Christian leaders under the guise of combating forced conversions, while conversions to Hinduism, often under pressure or coercion, are rarely questioned. This selective enforcement reflects India’s larger agenda of protecting Hindu majoritarianism while suppressing the rights of religious minorities. Forced conversions to Hinduism rarely receive legal attention, further highlighting the unequal treatment of religious groups in India.

Criminalizing Religious Expression

Chhangur Baba’s case is not an isolated one. The Indian government has made it a point to target religious leaders with large followings, especially Muslims, and criminalize their activities. This criminalization of religious expression goes against the principles of freedom of religion and speech. By labeling Muslim leaders as criminals and accusing them of orchestrating conspiracies, the Indian government silences voices that challenge its policies. This creates a climate where religious minorities are afraid to speak out or organize, further stifling their freedoms.

The Role of Nationalism in Targeting Minorities

The accusations against Chhangur Baba are part of a broader political strategy to use nationalism to suppress minority voices. By linking Muslim religious activities to foreign-backed threats, the Indian government portrays these figures as a danger to national security. This nationalist agenda allows the government to control religious discourse and silence opposition under the guise of defending national unity. In reality, this tactic serves to maintain Hindu dominance and suppress any challenge from minority groups.

Fabricating Links to Pakistan for Control

India’s repeated attempts to link Muslim religious activities to Pakistan show a clear effort to manipulate public perception. By portraying Muslim leaders as part of an anti-national network, India justifies harsh state actions against its minorities. These fabrications serve the dual purpose of protecting Hindu majoritarianism and suppressing any opposition. Linking every form of dissent to Pakistan allows India to deflect criticism of its internal policies while controlling religious and political expression within its borders.

Religious Minority Rights Under Threat

The treatment of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, reflects the broader repression of minority rights in India. Religious leaders like Chhangur Baba are being targeted for their beliefs and activities, even when these actions are peaceful and legal. The state’s approach to handling dissent and religious mobilization creates a dangerous environment where minority communities are viewed as threats to national security. This not only violates the fundamental rights of individuals but also erodes India’s commitment to its secular ideals.

Suppressing Religious Expression to Maintain Control

The government’s actions against religious minorities serve a larger agenda of maintaining control over India’s religious landscape. By criminalizing religious expression, India ensures that any challenge to Hindu majoritarianism is silenced. Muslim leaders and communities are increasingly under threat, as the state uses nationalism and national security as pretexts to suppress dissent. This strategy creates an environment where religious minorities are marginalized and oppressed, with little recourse to justice or protection.

Regional Influence and Diplomatic Pressure

India’s religious policies extend beyond its borders, particularly with regard to Nepal. By pressuring the Nepali government to investigate Muslim activities and religious leaders, India seeks to extend its control over religious discourse in neighboring countries. This not only violates the sovereignty of other nations but also deepens regional tensions. India’s influence over Nepal’s domestic policies is an example of how it uses its regional power to suppress religious freedoms, both within its borders and beyond.

International Reactions and Human Rights Concerns

International human rights organizations have raised alarms about India’s treatment of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. The case of Chhangur Baba is part of a growing trend of religious repression that targets Muslim leaders under false accusations. The international community must hold India accountable for its actions and demand that it adhere to its commitments to religious freedom and human rights. India’s treatment of its religious minorities undermines its image as the world’s largest democracy.

India’s Secular Identity at Risk

India’s identity as a secular democracy is increasingly at risk due to the government’s treatment of its religious minorities. The state’s actions against Muslim leaders and its continued efforts to protect Hindu majoritarianism threaten to erode the country’s pluralistic society. India’s commitment to religious freedom is being tested as it criminalizes minority religious activities while ignoring similar activities among the Hindu majority. If these trends continue, India could lose its democratic identity and become a more divided, intolerant society.

Conclusion:

The arrest of Chhangur Baba represents a disturbing pattern of religious repression in India, where Muslim leaders are targeted under unproven allegations and linked to foreign-backed conspiracies. By fabricating ties to Pakistan and criminalizing religious expression, India is undermining the rights of its religious minorities while silencing any opposition. The international community must hold India accountable for its actions, while India itself must reconsider its approach to religious minorities to preserve its democratic and secular values. If left unchecked, this ongoing suppression could further destabilize the country and erode its pluralistic identity.