Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district have arrested a woman, Chandni Qureshi, and her father, Islam Qureshi, in connection with a case of alleged forced religious conversion. Nine people have been booked in the case, including members of the family and others linked to the investigation.
The case was filed by medicine trader Devraj Malik, who alleged that his son, Ayush Malik (30), was converted to Islam several years ago under the pretext of marriage with Chandni. Police said investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to trace the remaining accused.
“Converted Through Marriage and Forged Documents”: Allegations
According to the complaint, Ayush was allegedly taken to Delhi, where a nikah was performed using forged documents. The complainant claims that the conversion happened gradually and that pressure was applied over time.
Police sources said initial findings suggest that Chandni’s brother worked at Ayush’s medical store, and the families were previously acquainted. It has also been alleged that Chandni joined a gym where Ayush used to go, and their interaction developed into a relationship.
The complaint further claims that private videos were misused and that Ayush was later pressured into changing his religion. However, these allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been proven in court.
Ayush Malik’s Statement: “I Am a Muslim”
Amid the controversy, Ayush Malik, who also goes by Mohammad Ali, has publicly defended his religious identity. In a video statement, he said, “Alhamdulillah, I am a Muslim.”
He said there was no question of “return” to another religion, arguing that such a term would only apply if someone had reverted back. “If I have converted, then what is the meaning of ‘return’? The question of return would arise only if I became a Hindu again,” he said.
Ayush also said he was facing social pressure and claimed that the FIR filed by his family was influenced by external pressure. “There is a lot of pressure from society and family. That is why the FIR was filed,” he said.
“I Am Not a Victim of Pressure,” Says Ayush
Responding to allegations made by his family, Ayush rejected claims that his statement was forced. He said the case is not about sympathy or personal issues, but about how society reacts to interfaith relationships.
He added that he had never faced discrimination while traveling across India and said, “My faith in the country and its people remains strong. People should not be judged by their region or identity, but by their character.”
Investigation Continues in Shamli Case
Police said the investigation is still underway and more arrests are possible. Authorities are examining digital evidence, witness statements, and financial records to understand the sequence of events.
Officials have confirmed that nine people have been booked so far, while efforts continue to trace others linked to the case.
