A high-profile religious conversion case has come to light in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district, where the son of a prominent pharmaceutical businessman was converted from Hindu dharma to Islam after being drawn into a relationship with a gym trainer. The allegations, made in a police complaint filed by the young man’s father, have led to the registration of an FIR against ten individuals, the arrest of two accused, and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
The controversy centres around 27-year-old Ayush Malik, son of local pharmaceutical trader Devraj Malik, who runs Bharat Medical Store in Shamli. 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 began as a friendship developed into a close relationship, eventually culminating in Ayush’s religious conversion and marriage (nikah) under Islamic rites.
The matter surfaced publicly after videos and photographs showing Ayush participating in Islamic religious practices began circulating.
According to the complaint, Ayush was converted to Islam and given a new identity. While the original complaint referred to him being 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
Organiser accessed FIR No. 241/2026 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 a prolonged period. It further alleges that a forged nikahnama was prepared and that pressure was exerted not only on Ayush but also on his family members.
Alleged Relationship Began at a Local Gym
According to investigators, Ayush Malik, who holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and operates a medical store in Shamli, regularly visited Qureshi Plus Gym several years ago.
It was there, police say, that he met Chandni Qureshi, 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 surfaced publicly show him offering namaz at a mosque and sitting at his medical store while dressed in traditional Muslim attire.
Investigators are now 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 dire consequences if he refused to convert.
The complaint also alleges that substantial sums of money were extracted from Ayush over a period of time.
Investigators are examining financial transactions and other evidence to verify these claims.
Video by Swami Yashveer Brought Case Into Public Spotlight
Although the 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 circulated across social media platforms and generated strong reactions locally.
Soon after, several Hindu organisations announced protests and demanded action against those allegedly involved in the conversion.
The growing public attention appears to have accelerated the filing of the complaint and the subsequent police action.
Father Rejects Reports of Family Conversion
As speculation surrounding the case intensified, Devraj Malik publicly rejected claims that his entire family had converted.
Speaking to media persons, he said, “I and my wife remain Hindus. We visit the Hanuman temple every morning and evening for worship.”
Malik maintained that the allegations concern 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 said that two individuals had been arrested so far.
Providing details of the case, the SP stated, “Yesterday, Devaraj Malik came to Kotwali Shamli police station and alleged that his only son, Ayush Malik, had been converted and is now known as Mohammad Ali… He alleged that a woman named Chandni Qureshi first trapped his son in the name of marriage and later possibly married him through nikah… a case was registered yesterday and legal action was initiated.”
Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: SP Narendra Pratap Singh on the religious conversion case says, “Yesterday, Devaraj Malik came to Kotwali Shamli police station and alleged that his only son, Ayush Malik, had been converted and is now known as Mohammad Ali… He alleged that a woman named… pic.twitter.com/oOXTWH67xp
— IANS (@ians_india) June 7, 2026
The police officer further disclosed details that emerged during preliminary investigations.
“During the inquiry, it came to light that the woman had allegedly introduced him to a YouTube channel featuring speeches by Pakistani cleric Dr. Israr and that he used to listen to those speeches.”
The SP added, “Two persons have been arrested so far, Islam, who is Chandni’s father, and Chandni, described in the complaint as his so-called wife.”
SIT and Intelligence Units Begin Probe
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, “We have constituted an SIT and LIU teams are investigating the matter. We will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine how far the links of this case extend and what its deeper aspects are. Further action will be taken accordingly.”
The involvement of the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) indicates that investigators are examining whether the matter extends beyond a personal relationship and whether there are broader networks or influences connected to the allegations.
Police are currently scrutinising documents, digital evidence, financial records and statements of those involved.
Case Becomes Latest Conversion Controversy
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 draw significant attention in the coming weeks.
At present, police maintain that the allegations contained in the FIR are under investigation and that the evidence gathered by the SIT will determine the course of further legal action.
As investigators continue questioning the accused and examining documentary and electronic evidence, authorities say all aspects of the complaint will be thoroughly scrutinised before any conclusions are reached.
