Jamaluddin, known as Jhangur Baba or Ghanshyam Rohera, is a controversial figure in India, primarily linked to an alleged illegal religious conversion network. While his activities in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, where he was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in July 2025, have drawn significant attention, his ties to Mumbra, a suburb of Thane, Maharashtra, offer crucial insights into his early life and operations.
Originally a Mumbai resident, Ghanshyam Rohera reportedly converted to Islam in Dubai in 2015, along with his wife, Nasreen (also known as Neetu), and their daughter. Before adopting the persona of a self-styled Sufi spiritual leader, he was a small-scale gemstone and ring seller who frequented Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah. Around 2020, his fortunes shifted dramatically, enabling significant property acquisitions and the establishment of an alleged conversion network centered in Balrampur, near the Chand Auliya Dargah. His earlier years in Mumbai, particularly in areas like Mumbra, Thane, are critical to understanding the foundation of his operations.
Alleged Connections to Mumbra’s Builders
Reports suggest Jhangur Baba may have invested in Mumbra’s builders, with some claims indicating that many builders in Mumbra hail from Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. However, no direct evidence from verified sources confirms these investments or the specific involvement of Balrampur-origin builders in Mumbra. The Uttar Pradesh ATS and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations, which uncovered Jhangur Baba’s purchase of over 2 lakh square feet of land in Pune for Rs 16 crore and financial transactions worth Rs 60–106 crore, including Rs 1 crore linked to properties in Mumbai’s Bandra East and Mahim West, indicate a sophisticated financial network. While these transactions involve Mumbai, they do not explicitly mention Mumbra’s builders.
The claim that many Mumbra builders originate from Balrampur remains unverified, but the shared cultural or regional ties between Balrampur and Mumbra’s Muslim community could suggest informal networks that Jhangur Baba might have tapped into during his early career.
The ATS and ED investigations revealed Jhangur Baba’s substantial financial dealings, including Rs 100 crore in property acquisitions and Rs 30–40 crore in Bank of Baroda accounts. His associates made over 40 international trips to Islamic nations, raising suspicions of foreign funding. While these activities are primarily linked to Balrampur, his earlier presence in Mumbai, including potential ties to Mumbra, could have facilitated initial funding or logistical support. Mumbra’s connectivity to Mumbai’s financial hubs and its active real estate market may have provided opportunities for Jhangur Baba to channel funds or establish contacts, possibly with builders or other business entities.
The ED raids in July 2025 targeted 14 locations, including two in Mumbai, uncovering land documents, luxury vehicles, and unaccounted cash. These findings suggest that Jhangur Baba’s financial operations extended to Maharashtra, potentially including Mumbra’s real estate sector, though specific evidence of builder investments is lacking. If builders from Balrampur were active in Mumbra, they could have been part of a broader network facilitating property deals, similar to the Pune transactions involving court staff relatives.
In July 2025, the Balrampur district administration demolished Jhangur Baba’s illegal mansion, along with a college, hospital, and madrassa built on encroached government land, following a notice issued to Nasreen on May 17, 2025. This action dismantled a significant portion of his alleged “empire,” which relied on illegal land acquisitions and suspected foreign funding. While these events occurred in Balrampur, they highlight the scale of Jhangur Baba’s operations, which likely required a multi-state network, potentially including early activities in Mumbra.
Jhangur Baba’s connections to Mumbra, while not as well-documented as his Balrampur activities, reflect his early life in Mumbai and possible engagement with its suburbs, including Mumbra’s real estate market. While claims of investments in Mumbra’s builders and their Balrampur origins remain unconfirmed, his financial network, as uncovered by the ATS and ED, suggests ties to Maharashtra that could include Mumbra. As investigations continue, further details may clarify the extent of his activities in Thane. For now, Jhangur Baba’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of religion, commerce, and illicit networks in India’s urban landscapes.
Mumbai, July 21, 2025 – In a landmark ruling, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, overturning their death penalties and life sentences. The decision, delivered by Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak, comes 19 years after the tragic terror attack that claimed 189 lives and injured over 800 on Mumbai’s Western Railway network. The court cited the prosecution’s “utter failure” to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, raising serious questions about the investigation and judicial process.
On July 11, 2006, seven coordinated bomb blasts ripped through first-class compartments of suburban trains during peak evening hours, targeting stations like Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali. The attacks, executed using pressure cooker bombs, caused widespread devastation and left an indelible scar on Mumbai’s collective memory. In 2015, a special court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) convicted 12 of the 13 accused, sentencing five—Kamal Ahmed Mohammed Vakil Ansari, Mohammad Faisal Ataur Rahman Shaikh, Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddique, Naveed Hussain Khan, and Asif Khan Bashir Khan—to death, and seven others to life imprisonment. One accused, Wahid Shaikh, was acquitted earlier.
The High Court’s ruling quashed the 2015 verdict, criticizing the prosecution’s reliance on unreliable witnesses, flawed Test Identification Parades, and coerced confessions. The bench noted that key witnesses, including a taxi driver, failed to justify identifying the accused after significant time lapses, and the handling of critical evidence, such as alleged explosives, lacked credibility. The court also highlighted procedural lapses, including the failure to identify the type of bombs used, undermining the prosecution’s case.
Senior advocate S. Muralidhar, representing some convicts, argued that the investigation by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad was biased, with confessions extracted through torture. “Innocent people have been jailed for 18 years, losing their prime years,” he stated, emphasizing the social stigma faced by the accused and their families. The court’s decision to acquit all 12, ordering their release unless detained for other cases, has sparked mixed reactions. While the accused expressed gratitude to their legal team via video conference, victims’ families voiced shock and disappointment, seeking closure that remains elusive.
The ruling has reignited debates about India’s counter-terrorism investigations and judicial processes, with critics pointing to systemic failures in high-profile cases. For now, the acquittal marks a significant moment in a case that has spanned nearly two decades, leaving unresolved questions about justice for the 2006 Mumbai train blasts.
Professor Dr. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood is a renowned figure in the field of education, both nationally and internationally. With a career, spanning decades, he has made significant contributions to shaping the educational landscape in India. Currently, he serves as a Senior Professor in the Department of Education & Training at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANNU), Hyderabad, while also fulfilling the responsibilities of Officer on Special Duty-II (OSD-II) of the university.
Dr. Siddiqui’s journey, from being a humble primary school teacher to attaining such a distinguished position, is an inspiring testament to his dedication and perseverance. Over the years, he has gained extensive expertise in teacher training and possesses a deep understanding of the challenges plaguing the education system in the country. His insights are not just theoretical but are drawn from real-world experiences, making him a sought-after voice in discussions about educational reform.
To delve deeper into his views and vision, Maeeshat Media’s Editor Danish Reyaz recently conducted an interview with Dr. Siddiqui. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Siddiqui sheds light on his observations about the current state of education, the transformative potential of teacher training programs, and the pivotal role of MANUU in bridging gaps in education.
Here are excerpts from the interview, where Dr. Mahmood Siddiqui shares his perspectives with clarity and purpose, envisioning an education system driven by well-trained, compassionate, and motivated teachers.
Q. When we look at the education system in India, we see two prevailing approaches: religious or moral education and modern or worldly education. Unfortunately, both systems face a serious concern regarding the competence of teachers. What are your thoughts on this?
Before addressing your question, I would like to clarify that as per Islamic teaching there is no distinction of moral and modern education. To be honest, moral and modern education are not separate or opposing concepts. Instead, they must complement each other to provide students with the best of both worlds, fostering holistic development in both character and skills. Viewing them as conflicting ideas is a misconception; they are inherently interconnected and mutually supportive.
Nevertheless, one cannot deny the fact that these two systems, commonly referred to as Deeni and Duniyawi Taleem, are predominantly imparted in India through madrasas and schools, respectively.
Unfortunately, as you pointed out, both education systems suffer from a lack of competent teachers. In fact, both systems face a serious discrepancy in the teacher-to-student ratio. A large number of students are handled by only a few teachers, creating challenges for both students and teachers and adversely affecting the overall quality of education.
Furthermore, among the available teachers, there is a significant issue of incompetence. Increasingly, teachers who are not up to the mark are entering the system, exacerbating the problem and further deteriorating the standard of education.
Q. What is the remedy then?
I was coming to that. The remedy lies in a robust recruitment system capable of selecting teachers who possess both the necessary expertise and a genuine passion for the job. While teaching requires a solid knowledge base, the ability to impart that knowledge in a way that can be understood by all students, regardless of their individual levels of comprehension, is even more crucial.
The system must prioritize hiring teachers with creative and innovative approaches. However, given the limited availability of such teachers, we must work with those we have and focus on their consistent professional development. This can be achieved through regular training, participation in seminars, conferences, and workshops, all aimed at honing their skills and redefining their approaches. However, everything should be need-based before implementing these remedial measures. Teachers should first be properly evaluated to identify their shortcomings and areas for improvement.
Q. We have seen teachers undergo training at various stages, yet they often fail to make a meaningful impact. What could be the reasons for this?
Even the best training programs are ineffective if teachers lack moral integrity and fail to empathize with the misdirection of our youth. Therefore, instilling the values of ethics, empathy, and morality should always be an integral part of teacher training programs. Without these values, even well-trained teachers may fail to contribute meaningfully to the system.
No doubt, we have some exceptional teachers. However, many limit their focus to their jobs and families, showing little initiative to further improve the education system. True change requires teachers with empathy and a passion for shaping the future. A teacher must realize that teaching is not just a profession but a mission to uplift society. Therefore, training programs should go beyond skill development, cultivating responsiveness and a deep sense of connection to the needs of our students.
I often quote our former president Dr. Zakir Husain’s profound words: “On the title page of the life-book of a teacher, what is written is not knowledge but the subject of love.” It is qualities like love, affection, and empathy that draw students toward their teachers. Once a connection is established between a teacher and a student, teaching and learning become more effective and transform into an experience rather than mere effort.
Q. How are the roles of students and parents crucial to improving the system?
Parents, even more than students, play a vital role alongside teachers in improving the education system. They must be vigilant, keeping a close eye on their children’s activities and guiding them away from habits that could hinder their studies or lead them astray from becoming responsible individuals. To achieve this, parents should embody the values they wish to instill, serving as role models of integrity and good character.
At the same time, effective parenting involves being supportive rather than overly imposing. Parents should develop the skills to nurture their children’s growth while fostering open communication and spending quality time together. In addition, regular interaction between teachers and parents is also essential to ensure the child’s progress and development in a balanced, holistic, and harmonious manner.
For students, this is undoubtedly a challenging time as they are being pulled in many directions due to the influence of the internet and mobile phones. The distractions they face today are unprecedented compared to what previous generations encountered. While internet technology has, in some ways, made learning easier, it has also led to addictive behaviors and exposure to harmful influences.
At this juncture, students need empathetic counseling to guide them effectively. After all, a healthy student in body, mind, and soul is the cornerstone of a prosperous future.
Q. There has been a lot of talk about bringing madrasa students into the mainstream. How has Maulana Azad Urdu University (MANNU) contributed to this cause?
Thank you for raising this question. One can observe that a large number of students at our university come from a madrasa background. Over the years, these students have benefitted from our quality mainstream education programs. The key reasons MANNU attracts madrasa students are its medium of instruction, which is Urdu, and the environment, which closely mirrors the atmosphere of their institutions. Another important reason is that MANU’s fee structure is relatively low, making it affordable for these students. Additionally, for those who are very poor, we offer scholarship programs and have partnerships with various NGOs, through which they can gain admission to our institution.
We recognize the varying levels of education provided by madrasas and offer admission to students accordingly. If a madrasa graduate holds an equivalent of a 10+2 qualification, we admit them into undergraduate programs. For instance, a Fazilat student graduating from a madrasa is eligible for postgraduate courses. Furthermore, we have been working on developing our own secondary and senior secondary education board to help these students bridge any gaps in their mainstream education, ensuring they face no challenges in the job market.
Q. Given that Urdu is the medium of instruction at MANNU, does this pose any challenges for students in their future path?
There has been general contention that one can provide school level education in Urdu or any other regional languages but when it comes to technical and professional education English is must. But we have successfully altered that perception. We have ensured that all education in the university be provided in Urdu and have set an example to other to follow. Although it was challenged at the beginning, but with dedication and a mission in mind we have achieved this exemplary model.
Nevertheless, we haven’t overlooked the future prospects of our students. With a robust system in place, every program at our university is of exceptional quality because we have invested considerable effort in developing these programs. Despite using Urdu as the medium of instruction, these programs have significantly enhanced our students’ knowledge and competence.
To further support their education, we offer a variety of programs, such as Spoken English, Personality Development, and more, to help them overcome the challenges of employability. As graduates of our university, our students don’t just have access to the same opportunities as others—they also enjoy unique opportunities that are available exclusively to students from an Urdu background.
Dr. Mahmood Siddiqui’s insights offer a clear vision for addressing the challenges in education through inclusive practices, robust teacher training, and student empowerment. His leadership at Maulana Azad National Urdu University exemplifies a commitment to bridging gaps in education while fostering a system rooted in empathy, excellence, and opportunity for all.
Raipur, (Press Release)Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, hosted the Inauguration and Orientation Program for the MBA Batch 2025–27, marking the beginning of a transformative academic journey defined by diversity, inclusion, and leadership development for 353 students.
The MBA 2025–27 batch reflects the institute’s growing national footprint and academic stature, with students hailing from 21 states and 3 union territories, showcasing a diverse and inclusive cohort. Notably, 14.5% of the batch comprises alumni from top-tier institutions like IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIITs, and IIMs, marking a significant rise in academic excellence, with 26 students (7.57%) having studied at premier institutions between 2024–26, including NIT Tiruchirapalli, NIT Rourkela, VNIT Nagpur, and IIT Guwahati.
This year’s batch reflects IIM Raipur’s ongoing commitment to diversity and multidimensional learning, with 55.5% of students from engineering backgrounds and 44.5% from a variety of non-engineering fields including commerce, science, humanities, law, healthcare, and management. The balanced academic composition of this year’s batch brings together analytical precision and contextual depth, fostering a learning environment that encourages multidimensional thinking and informed decision-making.
Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, expressed his views, by stating “Classroom diversity drives decision-making depth. At IIM Raipur, we don’t just teach management, we create a space where analytical thinking and human insight coexist. This year’s cohort reflects a conscious shift toward interdisciplinary learning, with students bringing expertise from engineering, commerce, sciences, and the liberal arts. Such academic diversity is not incidental; it is intentional. It enhances classroom engagement, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and prepares our students to navigate the complexities of today’s interconnected world. As they begin this journey, we are committed to equipping them not just with technical competence, but with ethical clarity, strategic foresight, and a strong sense of purpose.”
On average, students come with around 23 months of work experience across diverse sectors including IT, engineering, BFSI, retail, and healthcare. This dynamic blend of academic strength, industry exposure, and geographic diversity fosters a collaborative learning environment that prepares students to lead with integrity and agility in a rapidly evolving global business landscape.
The event was graced by Shri Sudeep Dev, CHRO & Executive Vice President at Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., who shared insights into the evolving corporate landscape and the importance of value-driven leadership. The event also featured the Dean’s Merit List Awards, presented by Prof. Saroj Kumar Pani, Dean (Academics) at IIM Raipur, celebrating academic excellence within the student community. A vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Diptiman Banerji.
The event also featured a series of informative and student-centric sessions aimed at promoting awareness, readiness, and well-being. A sensitization workshop on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) was conducted by Prof. Ashapurna Baruah, alongside POSH experts Mala Thapar and Dr. C.K. Swain, who also introduced students to the institute’s library resources. This was followed by focused sessions on career and institutional engagement, including an overview of the placement process by Prof. Mohit Goswami and a session on international relations by Prof. P. Ketan Kumar Reddy. Prof. Samar Singh provided insights into campus infrastructure and administrative support, while Shri Anil Ponal led a session on national scholarships. The program also addressed student well-being through an interactive session on mental health and stress management conducted by psychologist and counselor Ms. Ruchika Jain.
Noida: (Press Release) Farmley, a leading healthy snacking brand, is all set to provide a gateway to budding entrepreneurs by partnering with Shark Tank India. As part of this special arrangement, business owners attending the upcoming Indian Healthy Snacking Summit on Friday in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam can grab the golden opportunity to be part of the show by recording their business pitches at the dedicated Shark Tank booth to be set up there.
Since its debut in 2021, Shark Tank India has been instrumental in spotlighting innovative business ideas and connecting them with strategic investments and expert mentorship. As the show gears up for its 5th anniversary this year, the sharks are on the lookout for innovative business ideas at the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit 2025. Pitches recorded at the Shark Tank booth will serve as audition tapes and be forwarded to the show’s production team in Mumbai for evaluation.
Selected entrepreneurs will earn the coveted opportunity to present their pitches on the main Shark Tank India show, potentially securing investments from the panel of seasoned business sharks.
Talking about the initiative, Akash Sharma, co-founder of Farmley, said: “Every successful entrepreneur’s journey begins with a single opportunity to be heard. This on-ground audition format is revolutionizing how we discover and nurture talent, giving founders the chance to showcase their vision in a more personal, accessible setting. It’s not just about pitching – it’s about empowering the next generation of business leaders.”
The Indian Healthy Snacking Summit, in its 2nd edition, expects over 1,500 attendees and 50+ speakers, including Revant Himatsingka aka FoodPharmer, Amitesh Jha, CEO, Swiggy Instamart, Arjun Vaidya, Founder, Dr. Vaidya’s and V3 Ventures, investors, senior leaders from the retail, FMCG, and quick commerce sectors, as well as representatives from Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto, Meesho, etc. These speakers will participate in various panel discussions, offering insights into investment trends, the future of food distribution, and emerging health-conscious consumption patterns.
