'I will fight for her': UP trader defends conversion, marriage to Muslim gym trainer as viral Eid photos trigger FIR

SHAMLI/MEERUT: Ayush Malik (31), who now identifies himself as Mohammad Ali, came under scrutiny after photographs of him offering Eid prayers went viral on social media, drawing the attention of Hindu groups and triggering a police case.

The complaint, filed by his father Devraj Malik, led to the arrest of Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi.

"I knew about my son's relationship and his conversion and had been dealing with it privately, trying to convince him to return," said Devraj Malik, a prominent businessman and president of the Shamli Medicine Traders Association.





"He is my only son. But once the pictures went viral, Hindu right-wing groups got involved, which led to police action."

Ayush, however, rejected the allegations and defended his decision.

"I had an inclination towards Islam since childhood, and by 2012 my faith had strengthened," he told TOI. "About four years ago, I converted to Islam and around the same time married Chandni. I kept it private because of the prevailing environment, but informed my parents in February. I am a major and so is my wife. Legally, we have every right to do what we have done. I will fight for her."

Shamli superintendent of police N P Singh said preliminary investigations suggest that Ayush came into contact with Chandni through her brother, who worked at a medical store owned by the Malik family.

"Ayush's family has alleged that he was trapped and converted with the intention of gaining control over the family's substantial properties. Acting on a complaint filed by his father, police registered a case against Chandni Qureshi, eight named persons and some unidentified individuals," Singh said.

The FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, public mischief and attempt to commit culpable homicide, along with provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

According to police sources, Chandni's brother Aas Mohammad worked at one of Ayush's medicine outlets. Chandni, who previously worked as a physiotherapist, later became Ayush's gym trainer. Their relationship eventually culminated in a nikah at a mosque in Delhi around four years ago, allegedly with the consent of her family.

SP Singh said another angle being examined is Ayush's association with the teachings of Pakistan-based Islamic preacher Israr Ahmed.

"During questioning, Ayush stated that he was influenced by Israr Ahmed's teachings," Singh said.

Devraj Malik said he first became suspicious a few months ago.

"I noticed business losses and that Ayush had started growing a long beard. Initially, he denied any change, but later admitted that he had embraced Islam. We were trying to counsel him, but then the pictures went viral," he said.

In his complaint, Devraj also alleged that attempts were being made to influence other members of the family to convert. He has three daughters apart from Ayush.

The case gained wider attention after Hindu organisations, including those led by Swami Yashveer Maharaj of Baghra Ashram, demanded strict action and called for a thorough investigation.