Four years after the wedding, Shamli Police register case following a complaint by the father of the Hindu youth; investigation is underway
SHAMLI — A Muslim woman and her father have been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police in Shamli district in connection with a religious conversion case involving a Hindu man who embraced Islam nearly four years ago and later married her.
The case has attracted attention because the couple are both adults and have reportedly been living together for several years following their marriage. However, the young man’s family alleges that he was persuaded to convert to Islam through inducement and pressure.
Police have registered a case against Chandni Qureshi, her family members and several religious figures following a complaint lodged by the man’s father, Deoraj Malik. Chandni Qureshi and her father have been arrested, while police are searching for other accused persons named in the complaint.
According to police, the complaint was filed by Deoraj Malik, a resident of Dayanand Nagar in Shamli’s Sadar Kotwali area and owner of a medical store.
In his complaint, Malik alleged that around four years ago his son Ayush Malik was influenced to convert to Islam by Chandni Qureshi, her sisters Rahat Qureshi, Smaila Qureshi and Rabia Qureshi, her brother Usama Qureshi, Maulana Munawwar and two other clerics.
He claimed that his son was drawn into a relationship and later converted to Islam under pressure.
Malik further alleged that a nikahnama (marriage certificate) was prepared after the conversion and that his son was subsequently subjected to mental harassment and unlawful demands.
“The accused pressured my son to accept Islam and later tried to force other members of our family to convert as well. When we opposed them, we were threatened,” he alleged in his complaint.
The complainant also claimed that the accused had benefited financially from his son over the past several years and were attempting to gain control of family property.
“My son Ayush is my only child. He was converted and renamed Mohammad Malik,” Deoraj Malik said.
According to him, Chandni Qureshi married Ayush after he embraced Islam.
Supporters of the couple argue that the marriage was voluntary and that the dispute arose because the young man’s family was unhappy with his decision to convert and marry outside his faith.
Acting on the complaint, police registered an FIR and launched an investigation.
Officials said an SIT (Special Investigation Team) has also been constituted to examine various aspects of the allegations.
Police have not yet announced any conclusions and emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing.
Police sources stated that Ayush had been working at a medical store and came into contact with individuals from the local Muslim community.
According to officials, investigators are examining claims that he was introduced to Islamic literature and online religious content, including lectures available on YouTube, which reportedly increased his interest in Islam.
Police are also investigating the role of individuals allegedly connected to the conversion process.
Officials said all claims made in the complaint are being verified and evidence is being collected as part of the inquiry.
The case has once again brought attention to Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law and the continuing debate surrounding interfaith marriages and religious conversions.
Legal experts note that allegations made in an FIR remain claims until they are tested through investigation and judicial proceedings. At the same time, supporters of the couple argue that adult individuals have the constitutional right to choose their faith and life partner, while complainants insist that any conversion obtained through coercion, fraud or inducement should be thoroughly investigated.
As the investigation proceeds, police are expected to question additional witnesses and examine documentary evidence relating to the conversion, marriage and allegations made by the complainant.
For now, Chandni Qureshi and her father remain under arrest, while the remaining accused are being traced and the SIT continues its investigation into the matter.
