A representative image with copy of the FIR as accessed by Organiser
In the neighbourhood of Mahindra Enclave, Shastri Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, a once-peaceful household has been thrown into turmoil. The Sharma family now faces fear and uncertainty due to alarming changes in the behaviour of Rashmi Sharma, a devoted wife and mother. These changes, her husband Sushil Kumar Sharma alleges, are the result of influence from her colleague, 49-year-old Faizal Khan.
The family’s distress deepened as they noticed Rashmi’s sudden interest in Arabic, her adoption of Namaz, and her unsettling murmurs, which they believe indicate a troubling mental shift.
On August 23, Ghaziabad Police arrested Faizal Khan following accusations that he attempted to coerce Rashmi into converting to Islam.
Encounter that changed Everything
Rashmi, a 48-year-old school teacher with over two decades of teaching experience, had been working at Centenary Public School in Shastri Nagar for the past 13 years. Known for her gentle demeanour and dedication, she was respected by her peers and students alike. It was here that she first crossed paths with Faizal, who had been hired to teach computer skills to the staff.
Initially, things were fine. But according to Sushil, her husband, things began to change in alarming ways soon after.
“Sir, a detailed application was given by me and Rashmi Sharma’s brother Devesh Sharma on January 31, 2024, in Shastri Nagar Police Post, through which it was told that my wife Rashmi Sharma left suddenly on November 20, 2023, and returned on January 28, 2024. She had gone away from home and was then found in a delirious and frightened state,” Sushil recounted in his complaint to the police.
The Signs of a Mind in Turmoil
The changes in Rashmi’s behaviour were gradual but unmistakable. She began showing an unusual interest in Arabic, scribbling notes in the script and often sitting in a posture reminiscent of someone offering Namaz. “She has been seen sitting in Namaz position, and has handwritten Arabic texts,” Sushil explained. These signs, coupled with her increasing detachment from family life, were alarming for the Sharma household.
Rashmi once a happening personality seemed to wither away, replaced by a quietness that was both unfamiliar and unsettling. “She stopped talking to her family and my family, stopped coming anywhere, stopped going to the market and temple, stopped other activities like paying demand, wearing bindi, bangles, saree, chain etc.,” Sushil shared. Her transformation from a cheerful homemaker to a distant and withdrawn figure was heartbreaking to witness.
Discovery that shattered peace
Sushil’s concerns turned into outright alarm when he discovered a mobile phone registered in Faizal Khan’s name among Rashmi’s belongings. The phone contained not only a log of conversations between the two but also several disturbing pieces of evidence: “Many pages and mesages were found written in Arabic language (Hindi converted) in large quantity… And photos of graveyard and suspicious land were also found,” Sushil stated in his complaint.
This discovery solidified Sushil’s belief that his wife was under some form of psychological influence. He believed that Faizal had manipulated Rashmi’s mind through a combination of deceit and perhaps even sorcery. “He controlled her mind through sorcery, some of their minor resentments were converted into hatred,” Sushil claimed, expressing his fear that Rashmi’s very soul was at stake.
What the family tell Organiser?
On August 24, Organiser called Sushil, who shared the disturbing changes he had noticed in his wife, Rashmi. According to Sushil, Rashmi’s behaviour had become increasingly erratic and irresponsible. She would become upset over minor issues, which initially seemed like normal mood swings. However, as time passed, the situation escalated into what Sushil now believes is a shocking case of forced conversion, with multiple influences at play.
Faizal, was the person who first introduced her to Islam. Rashmi initially approached Faizal for help in finding a job. However, after Faizal’s arrest, he denied ever meeting Rashmi, despite a previous razinama (a formal agreement or settlement) between Faizal and the Sharma family, which was made before Sushil lodged the official complaint.
Despite the razinama and the case, Rashmi’s behaviour did not improve. The family felt compelled to approach the police once again as they grew increasingly concerned. Sushil described how Faizal would send Islamic texts to Rashmi through emails and messages. Rashmi began spending more time in the bathroom, where she would murmur to herself. Her children even observed her adopting a posture similar to that of offering Namaz. When confronted, Rashmi denied practising Namaz, but Sushil claimed that Faizal had been instructing her about Islam, including giving her Ayats (verses) from the Quran to memorise.
Sushil recounted an incident when Rashmi had just returned home, and he received an anonymous letter containing vague accusations about her character. The letter asked him to throw her out of the house. He believes this was a deliberate attempt to manipulate him, hoping that in a fit of anger, he would abandon Rashmi, allowing Faizal to then establish contact with her and eventually take her away.
Sushil believes that these manipulative tactics have mentally converted his wife to Islam, if not officially on paper. He suspects that Faizal may have even given Rashmi some form of medication, which has left her in a hypnotic state, obedient only to Faizal’s instructions. Sushil expressed his deep concern over the situation and demanded a thorough investigation into Faizal’s past. He fears that Rashmi might not be the only victim and that Faizal could be part of a larger network involved in similar activities with other women.
He also shared how they have received threatening calls and letters as they decided to take action against Faizal.
Family’s Plea for Help
Despite his repeated pleas, Sushil felt that the authorities were not taking his concerns seriously. The final straw came when he discovered that Rashmi had been offered a job in Rajkot, Gujarat, without his knowledge—a move he interpreted as part of a larger conspiracy. “The facts were ignored that Rashmi Sharma is currently working in a Centenary Public School. She is getting Rs. 10,000/-, still he was planning to take her to Rajkot for a job of Rs 15,000/-“ he noted, questioning why such a decision was made without consulting him.
Sushil’s frustration boiled over as he described how the police had ignored critical evidence and failed to conduct a thorough investigation. “Sir, due to the sequence of events from July 2023 till now, there is an atmosphere of fear in my family that there may be an attack or someone may lose their life,” he wrote, his words brimming with desperation.
Legal Battle Ahead
The FIR (Number: 816/2024) registered at the Kavinagar Police Station has brought the case to the forefront, with Faizal Khan now facing charges under section 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. The charges are serious, but for Sushil and his family, the battle is as much about reclaiming Rashmi’s mind and spirit as it is about seeking justice.
“Sir, the condition of my wife Rashmi Sharma has become like that of a mental patient,” Sushil confessed, his voice heavy with grief. “The aim of Faisal Khan and his associates is only to destroy Rashmi Sharma and my house. Do not let them take Rashmi Sharma along, make such arrangements that these things cannot be misused by Faisal Khan in future and my wife Rashmi Sharma cannot be threatened.”
As the case unfolds, the Sharma family remains trapped in a nightmare, their once happy home now overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Sushil’s plea for a thorough investigation into what he believes is a sinister conspiracy is not just a cry for justice, but a desperate attempt to save the woman he loves from forces he cannot understand.
Community in Shock
The shocking details of this case have sent ripples through the community, with neighbours and friends struggling to comprehend the drastic changes in Rashmi. Her former colleagues at Centenary Public School are left questioning how a woman they knew to be so kind and gentle could have fallen victim to such manipulation.
As the investigation progresses, the Sharma family can only hope that the truth will come to light and that Rashmi will return to them, free from the shadows that have overtaken her mind.
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