The conversion of a young businessman from Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district has sparked a major controversy after his father accused a woman and her associates of “brainwashing” his son, facilitating his conversion to Islam and targeting the family’s property.
The case has attracted widespread attention after both the family and local police made serious allegations regarding the circumstances that led to the conversion of Ayush Malik, the only son of a prominent business family in Shamli. Authorities have now launched an investigation into the matter, examining allegations of religious conversion, conspiracy and a property-related dispute.
“They ruined my family, took my son away”: Father speaks out
Ayush Malik’s father, Devraj Malik, has publicly alleged that his son was systematically influenced and isolated from his family before eventually converting to Islam and marrying a woman identified as Chandni Qureshi.
Speaking about the controversy, Devraj Malik expressed anguish over the situation and claimed that his family had been devastated by the developments.
“They ruined my family and took my son away,” he said, alleging that Ayush had been trapped through a carefully planned relationship.
According to Malik, his son was a well-known and socially active young man who stood to inherit substantial family assets. He alleged that this made him a target.
“He had been brainwashed. He was lured into a romantic trap because of his assets. He is a decent, well-mannered and sociable young man with substantial property. That is precisely why the conversion was orchestrated,” Malik claimed.
The father further alleged that his suspicions first arose several years ago when he noticed changes in his son’s appearance and behaviour.
“I first became suspicious when he started growing a beard. I tried talking to him and reasoning with him, but gradually he was being pulled away from the family,” he said.
Malik accused Chandni Qureshi of drawing his son closer to members of the Muslim community and influencing his decisions over time.
“That woman had ensnared him in her web and was steadily drawing him closer to the Muslim community,” he alleged.
The family is now demanding strict legal action against all those allegedly involved.
“We want the guilty parties to be jailed and their contact with him cut off,” Malik said.
Prominent business family at centre of dispute
According to Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh, a formal case was registered at Kotwali police station following complaints received from the family.
Providing details of the matter, the SP said the Malik family is among the well-known business families in the district.
“There is a well-off family here that owns significant property and two large showrooms. Devraj Malik is a prominent member of the pharmaceutical trade association,” Singh said.
Police said the family consists of four children, three daughters, all of whom are married, and their son Ayush Malik, who had been managing the family’s pharmacy business.
Investigators believe the dispute is not merely a family disagreement but may involve allegations of conversion and property-related motives.
How Police say the conversion took place
According to the police officer, the investigation has so far revealed that Ayush came into contact with Chandni Qureshi, who worked as a gym trainer.
Police claim that after developing a relationship with her, Ayush gradually began consuming religious content online, including videos of a Pakistani Islamic cleric.
The SP alleged that Chandni’s younger brother, who was employed at Ayush’s pharmacy, also became involved in influencing him.
“He came into contact with Chandni Qureshi. He started watching the YouTube channels of a Pakistani cleric. Subsequently, Chandni’s younger brother, who worked at Ayush’s shop, conspired with them to facilitate his conversion,” the SP said.
Investigators are currently examining digital evidence, communication records and witness statements to verify the sequence of events.
One of the most significant aspects of the case is the allegation that the conversion was linked to the family’s extensive property holdings.
According to police, Devraj Malik owns considerable assets, and as the family’s only son, Ayush was expected to inherit a substantial share of the property.
The SP stated that investigators are examining allegations that financial gain may have been a motive behind the relationship and subsequent conversion.
“Their primary motive was to acquire the family’s property. Devraj Malik owns substantial assets and Ayush was the only son,” the police officer alleged.
Authorities are now looking into claims that the accused sought to gain influence over family assets after Ayush’s conversion and marriage.
Nikah and demand for property
Police further stated that Ayush eventually underwent conversion and later entered into a Nikah with Chandni Qureshi.
According to investigators, the issue came to light when a dispute allegedly arose regarding ownership and transfer of family property.
The SP claimed that Ayush and Chandni later approached his father seeking control over family assets.
“The matter surfaced last week when the son and the woman allegedly demanded that the father hand over the property to them, claiming that they were married and entitled to it,” the officer said.
Police also stated that allegations have been made that the family was urged to embrace Islam, though these claims remain under investigation.
Authorities have confirmed that a case has been registered and that an investigation is currently underway.
Police are examining all allegations, including claims of religious conversion, conspiracy, inducement and the alleged property dispute. Officials have emphasised that evidence is being collected and statements are being recorded from all relevant parties.
