A high-profile Islamic conversion case has emerged from Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh, where the son of a prominent pharmaceutical businessman was allegedly converted from Hinduism to Islam after entering into a relationship with a gym trainer, as reported in Organiser.
The allegations, made in a police complaint filed by the young man’s father, have resulted in the registration of an FIR against ten individuals, the arrest of two accused persons, and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
The controversy centres around 27-year-old Ayush Malik, son of Shamli-based pharmaceutical trader Devraj Malik, who operates Bharat Medical Store in the district. According to the complaint filed by his father, Ayush came into contact with Chandni Qureshi, a gym trainer employed at Plus Gym, nearly five years ago.
What allegedly began as a friendship gradually developed into a close relationship, eventually culminating in Ayush’s religious conversion and marriage through Islamic rites. The matter came into the public spotlight after videos and photographs showing Ayush participating in Islamic religious practices began circulating on social media.
According to the complaint, Ayush was converted to Islam and given a new identity. While the original complaint alleged that he had been renamed “Rehman,” Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh later stated that the complainant had alleged that his son was now known as “Mohammad Ali.”
FIR Registered Against Ten Accused
FIR No. 241/2026 was registered at Shamli police station on June 6. The FIR names ten accused, including Chandni Qureshi, members of her family and several clerics.
Those named in the FIR include Chandni Qureshi, Rahil Qureshi, Sumaila Qureshi, Raabia Qureshi, Aas Mohammad, Huma Qureshi, Islam Qureshi, Saleem, Munavvar Maulvi and others.
The accused have been booked under Sections 318(4), 336(3), 338, 61(2), 351(3), and 308(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.
The complaint alleges that Ayush was subjected to unlawful religious conversion, intimidation, extortion and coercion over an extended period. It further alleges that a forged nikahnama was prepared and that pressure was exerted not only on Ayush but also on members of his family.
Alleged Relationship Began At Local Gym
According to investigators, Ayush Malik, who holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and runs a medical store in Shamli, had been regularly visiting Qureshi Plus Gym several years ago.
It was there, police said, that he met Chandni Qureshi, who worked as a trainer at the facility. Investigators believe the two gradually developed a close relationship.
The complaint alleges that approximately four years ago, a nikah was performed secretly without the knowledge of Ayush’s family. Devraj Malik has alleged that the relationship was used as a means to influence and eventually convert his son.
According to police, family members later observed significant changes in Ayush’s lifestyle and appearance. He reportedly began growing a beard, wearing a skullcap and spending increasing amounts of time participating in Islamic religious activities.
Photographs that later surfaced publicly reportedly show him offering namaz at a mosque and sitting inside his medical store dressed in traditional Muslim attire.
Investigators are examining the circumstances under which these changes occurred and whether any criminal offences were committed in the process.
Father Alleges Years Of Psychological Pressure
In his complaint, Devraj Malik has alleged that his son was subjected to sustained psychological influence over several years.
According to the allegations, Chandni Qureshi, members of her family and certain clerics associated with a mosque near Azad Chowk played a role in encouraging Ayush to embrace Islam.
Malik has alleged that his son was gradually isolated and persuaded to abandon his original faith.
He further claimed that threats were issued and that Ayush was allegedly warned of serious consequences if he refused to convert.
The complaint also alleges that substantial sums of money were extracted from Ayush over a prolonged period. Investigators are examining financial transactions and other evidence as part of the inquiry into these allegations.
Video By Swami Yashveer Brought Matter Into Public Spotlight
Although the alleged conversion had reportedly taken place earlier, the issue gained widespread public attention on June 4 after a video was released by Swami Yashveer, head of a yoga and spiritual centre in Muzaffarnagar.
In the video, the religious leader alleged that the son of the owner of Bharat Medical Store had been influenced by Chandni Qureshi and that the family was facing pressure linked to religious conversion.
The video rapidly spread across social media platforms and generated significant public reaction locally.
Soon afterwards, several Hindu organisations announced protests and demanded action against those allegedly involved in the conversion.
The growing public attention appears to have been followed by the filing of the complaint and subsequent police action.
Father Rejects Reports Of Family Conversion
As speculation surrounding the case intensified, Devraj Malik publicly denied claims that his entire family had converted to Islam.
Speaking to media persons, he stated, “I and my wife remain Hindus. We visit the Hanuman temple every morning and evening for worship.”
Malik maintained that the allegations concerned only his son and insisted that neither he nor his wife had abandoned their faith.
He further alleged that the conversion of Ayush had been orchestrated through a coordinated effort involving Chandni Qureshi, members of her family and local clerics.
According to Malik, the process unfolded over several years and ultimately resulted in his son adopting Islam.
Police Arrest Chandni Qureshi And Her Father
As the controversy deepened, police initiated legal proceedings and began questioning individuals named in the FIR.
Authorities subsequently detained Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi.
Confirming the development, Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh stated that two individuals had been arrested so far.
Providing details of the case, the SP said that Devraj Malik had approached Kotwali Shamli police station and alleged that his only son, Ayush Malik, had undergone religious conversion and was now known as Mohammad Ali.
The police officer said the complainant had alleged that a woman identified as Chandni Qureshi first became involved with his son under the pretext of marriage and later allegedly married him through nikah.
The SP stated that a case was subsequently registered and legal proceedings were initiated.
The police officer further disclosed details that had emerged during the preliminary inquiry.
According to him, investigators learned that the woman had allegedly introduced Ayush to a YouTube channel carrying speeches of Pakistani cleric Dr. Israr Ahmed and that he had regularly listened to those speeches.
The SP added that two persons had been arrested so far — Islam Qureshi, Chandni’s father, and Chandni Qureshi, who was described in the complaint as Ayush’s alleged wife.
SIT And Intelligence Units Begin Investigation
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the public attention surrounding the case, Shamli police have constituted a Special Investigation Team to examine all aspects of the matter.
According to SP Narendra Pratap Singh, the SIT, along with Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) teams, has begun investigating the case.
The police officer stated that authorities would conduct a comprehensive inquiry to determine how far the links in the case extend and whether there are deeper aspects to the allegations.
The involvement of the LIU indicates that investigators are examining whether the matter extends beyond a personal relationship and whether broader networks or influences may be connected to the allegations.
Police are currently scrutinising documents, digital evidence, financial records and statements of individuals connected to the case.
Investigation Continues
The Shamli case has emerged as one of the most discussed religious conversion controversies in western Uttar Pradesh in recent months.
With allegations ranging from unlawful conversion and secret nikah to extortion, coercion and psychological manipulation, the investigation is expected to attract considerable attention in the coming weeks.
Police have maintained that the allegations contained in the FIR remain under investigation and that evidence collected by the SIT will determine the course of further legal action.
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