In Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, police have arrested a woman and her father and booked nine individuals in connection with the alleged religious conversion of a 30-year-old man, officials reported on Sunday.
Arrests and Accusations
The arrested accused have been identified as Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi. According to the complainant, Chandni worked as Ayush Malik's physiotherapist and gym trainer before allegedly developing a relationship with him.
A complaint was filed by medicine trader Devraj Malik, who alleged that his son Ayush Malik (30) was converted to Islam several years ago under the pretext of marriage. The complainant claimed that Ayush was taken to Delhi, where a nikah was conducted using forged documents.
Legal Action Taken
Shamli Superintendent of Police NP Singh stated that a case has been registered against nine individuals, including a maulvi, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Section 308 (extortion), Section 318 (cheating), Section 336 (forgery), Section 338 (forgery of valuable security, will, etc.), and Section 351 (criminal intimidation). Additionally, provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act have been invoked.
Alleged Scheme
According to police, the incident was part of a premeditated scheme where the victim was allegedly lured into a romantic relationship, pressured to change his religion, and later blackmailed for financial gain. In a post on X, Shamli Police said two accused had been arrested from the Kaziwada locality under Kotwali police station limits in connection with the alleged coercion of a young man through emotional entrapment, blackmail, and religious conversion for monetary benefits.
Police confirmed that efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining accused named in the First Information Report (FIR).
Community Reaction
Hindu activists, including Swami Yashveer Maharaj, have demanded stringent action against those involved and warned of protests against alleged illegal religious conversions.
The police have stated that strict action is being taken against individuals involved in unlawful activities, including forced conversions and blackmail. They urged residents to report any suspicious activity to help maintain law and order in the district.
