The high-profile conversion case involving Shamli businessman Ayush Malik has deepened after police arrested Chandni Qureshi and her father Islam Qureshi while intensifying efforts to trace and apprehend other accused named in the FIR.
The case, which has drawn widespread attention across Uttar Pradesh, revolves around the conversion of Ayush Malik, the son of prominent businessman and Chemist Association district president Devraj Malik. Investigators are now examining a series of events that allegedly began with a chance meeting at a physiotherapy centre and eventually led to a religious conversion, a Nikah in Delhi, changes in identity, and a dispute involving crores worth of family property.
Father says he wants his son back home
Following the arrests of Chandni Qureshi and her father Islam Qureshi, Devraj Malik reportedly conveyed to police his desire to reunite with his son.
According to Shamli Superintendent of Police Narendra Pratap Singh, Devraj Malik expressed before police that he wants his son to return home. However, the family has not submitted any additional written complaint seeking direct intervention, citing concerns that Ayush’s safety and that of the family should not be jeopardised.
Despite this, the FIR registered on Devraj Malik’s complaint remains active, and police say efforts are underway to ensure that the family gets an opportunity to reconnect with Ayush.
The SP stated that while the father has not given any separate written application regarding his son’s return, investigators are pursuing all aspects of the case based on the original complaint.
Chandni Qureshi, family members and clerics named in FIR
The FIR registered by Shamli Police names multiple individuals who are accused of participating in what the complainant describes as a planned conversion operation.
Those named include Chandni Qureshi, her father Islam Qureshi, brother Aas Mohammad, sisters Rahil, Sumaila and Rabia, Huma of Qaziwada, Salim alias Bhola, Maulvi Munawwar and two unidentified clerics.
According to the complaint, these individuals worked together over a period of time to bring Ayush Malik under their influence and facilitate his conversion.
Police are currently searching for the remaining accused while continuing to collect evidence related to the allegations.
How Ayush Malik met Chandni Qureshi
Investigators say the relationship between Ayush Malik and Chandni Qureshi dates back several years.
According to the police investigation, the two first met in 2018 when Ayush suffered a shoulder injury and began visiting a physiotherapy centre for treatment. Chandni was working at the facility at the time.
What began as a casual acquaintance gradually developed into a closer relationship. Police say their interaction increased over time and continued even after Ayush joined a gym where Chandni later worked as a trainer.
As their friendship deepened, the two exchanged mobile numbers and remained in regular contact.
Investigators believe this period marked the beginning of a long process through which Ayush became increasingly connected to Chandni and individuals associated with her.
Brother worked at Ayush’s medical store
Police have also focused on the role of Chandni’s brother, Aas Mohammad.
According to investigators, Aas Mohammad later joined Ayush Malik’s medical store as an employee. Over time, several people connected to Chandni allegedly became regular presences both in Ayush’s professional and personal life.
Investigating officers believe this network played an important role in influencing Ayush and shaping the decisions he eventually took.
Police sources say they are examining communications, relationships and interactions between the accused to determine how the alleged network functioned and who played specific roles in the process.
Delhi nikahnama and conversion under investigation
One of the most significant findings in the investigation concerns events that reportedly took place in Delhi during 2023 and 2024.
According to Shamli Police, Ayush was taken to Delhi where a Nikahnama was prepared and religious conversion procedures were carried out.
Investigators claim that following the conversion, Ayush’s identity underwent multiple changes.
Police state that he was first given the name Mohammad Ali and later Rahman.
Officials say evidence collected during the investigation suggests that he gradually adopted Islamic attire and lifestyle practices. According to police findings, he also began visiting mosques regularly and offering Namaz.
The circumstances surrounding the Nikahnama, conversion process and identity changes are now a central part of the ongoing investigation.
Influence of Pakistani Islamic scholar examined
Investigators have further revealed that Ayush was introduced to religious content and Islamic teachings through various channels.
According to police, he was taken to several mosques, religious gatherings and dargahs where he was exposed to Islamic teachings.
During the course of the investigation, authorities also discovered that Ayush had become a regular viewer of lectures delivered by Pakistani Islamic scholar Dr. Israr Ahmad.
Police say he frequently watched the preacher’s videos online and gradually became influenced by his teachings.
However, investigators have clarified that no evidence has yet emerged showing direct communication, chat exchanges or contact between Ayush and any individual based in Pakistan.
Officials say the influence appears to have occurred through publicly available online content rather than direct interactions.
Crores worth of property at centre of dispute
Another crucial aspect of the case involves the Malik family’s substantial business interests and property holdings.
According to police, Devraj Malik is among the most prominent medical businessmen in Shamli and owns two major medical stores. The family also possesses valuable commercial establishments, residential properties, vehicles and other assets worth crores of rupees.
Investigators have found that a significant portion of these assets is reportedly in Ayush Malik’s name.
Police believe the issue of inheritance and ownership may have played a significant role in the dispute that later emerged between Ayush and his family.
The property angle has therefore become one of the key areas of investigation as authorities attempt to determine whether financial considerations influenced events surrounding the conversion and marriage.
Arrests made, search for other accused continues
So far, Shamli Police have arrested Chandni Qureshi and her father Islam Qureshi.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining accused named in the FIR, including those identified as clerics and facilitators.
Police are examining digital records, witness statements, documentary evidence and financial transactions as part of the investigation.
With multiple accused, allegations of conversion, a Delhi Nikahnama, religious influence, name changes and a property dispute all converging in a single case, the Shamli conversion controversy has become one of the most closely watched investigations in Uttar Pradesh.
As the probe continues, Devraj Malik maintains that his greatest hope is not merely legal action but the return of his son to the family home.
