Key Accused Shariq Khan Arrested in KGMU Religious Conversion and Exploitation Case
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a disturbing religious conversion and sexual exploitation case at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow police have apprehended a key co-accused. Shariq Khan, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 for his capture, was arrested late on Thursday near the Mehndi Ghat crossing in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow.
Central Role in Facilitating Exploitation
According to police officials, Shariq Khan played a pivotal role in the alleged racket. DCP West Zone Vishwajeet Srivastava stated that Shariq actively assisted the main accused, junior resident Ramizuddin Nayak (alias Rameez), in targeting and brainwashing young women. His involvement was crucial in facilitating the coercive tactics used against the victims.
During interrogation following his arrest by a joint team from the Western Zone Surveillance Unit and Chowk police, Shariq reportedly made several admissions. He confessed to having a close association with Ramizuddin Nayak and sharing strong personal ties with the accused's family. Furthermore, he acknowledged connections with a cleric who is also allegedly implicated in this case.
Modus Operandi of Psychological Manipulation
Police investigations have revealed a calculated pattern of psychological manipulation. Shariq Khan admitted that Ramizuddin Nayak deliberately targeted young women, often students. The accused would systematically:
- Portray the victims' families and their original religions in a negative and derogatory light.
- Employ psychological manipulation to erode their existing beliefs and sense of identity.
- Gradually push them towards religious conversion under the false pretext of marriage.
Shariq's role extended to applying direct pressure on the victims. He confessed to helping exert this pressure by using obscene videos, a tactic designed to force compliance and silence the young women. His involvement was not limited to intimidation; he also allegedly signed marriage documents as a witness. This act indicates his direct participation in formalizing marriages that followed the alleged forced conversions, lending a veneer of legality to the exploitative process.
Attempted Escape and Legal Proceedings
The arrest thwarted Shariq Khan's apparent plans to evade justice. Police revealed that he had recently obtained a passport and was allegedly preparing to flee abroad to avoid arrest. Prior to his capture, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Lucknow had already issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.
Ongoing Investigation and Case Background
The case, which continues to unfold, was originally registered on December 23. It stemmed from a formal complaint filed by a female MD Pathology student at KGMU. Based on her allegations, FIR No. 302/2025 was lodged at the Chowk police station.
The charges are severe and multifaceted, filed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.
Police authorities have confirmed that the investigation is progressing. Teams are now focusing on examining digital evidence, tracing financial links, and uncovering the wider network allegedly involved in this conversion and exploitation racket. The arrest of Shariq Khan is seen as a critical step in dismantling this network and delivering justice to the victims.
