Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district have made another arrest in an ongoing investigation linked to an alleged illegal religious conversion case. Officials confirmed that the accused, identified as Taufiq alias Bhola, has been taken into custody and a “nikahnama” (marriage certificate) has been recovered from him.
Superintendent of Police N.P. Singh said the arrest was made during the investigation into the alleged conversion of a man identified as Ayush Malik (also known as Mohammad Ali), who is at the centre of the case.
Case Filed After Father’s Complaint
The case was registered on June 6 after Ayush’s father, Devraj Malik, filed a complaint alleging that his son had been converted to Islam several years ago under the pretext of marriage.
According to the complaint, Ayush was taken to Delhi, where a “nikah” ceremony was allegedly performed using forged documents.
Police said the recovered nikahnama is being examined to verify its authenticity and legal validity, though officials have not disclosed further details about its contents.
Two Earlier Arrests in the Case
Police had already arrested two individuals in the case on June 7, including a woman identified as Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi. Officials said they were sent to judicial custody following initial interrogation.
With the latest arrest, investigators said they are now expanding the probe to identify the role of other alleged co-accused in the case.
Allegations of Forced Conversion and Forgery
According to police sources, the complaint alleges that Ayush was subjected to coercion and unlawfully converted under pressure. A total of nine people, including a cleric, have been named in the FIR under charges related to cheating, forgery, extortion, intimidation, and violations of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.
SP N.P. Singh said, “A nikahnama has been recovered from the accused. The investigation is ongoing and all aspects of the case are being examined.”
Accused Claimed Conversion Was Voluntary
However, Ayush Malik has publicly claimed that his conversion was voluntary. Speaking earlier to reporters, he said, “I am a Muslim and I will not return to Hinduism.”
He also alleged that the complaint filed by his father was influenced by external pressure and said he had been living separately from his family for some time.
Police Expanding Probe, Searching for Others
Police said six other accused persons, including a cleric allegedly involved in performing the nikah and another unidentified associate, are currently absconding.
Raids are being conducted at suspected locations, and officials said efforts are underway to arrest all remaining accused soon.
Nikahnama Under Legal Scrutiny
Investigators are now focusing on verifying the authenticity of the recovered nikahnama, including when and where it was prepared, and whether it was legally executed or allegedly fabricated to support the case.
Police said forensic and technical examination of documents is ongoing as part of the investigation.
