Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: Ayush Malik, whose conversion to Islam had led to an investigation under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, has returned to Hinduism, saying his decision was made voluntarily after considering his family’s emotional well-being.
A video circulating on social media shows Malik participating in Hindu religious rituals and offering prayers. In the video, he explains the reason behind his decision to re-embrace Hinduism.
“I had accepted Islam and changed my religion. But after seeing my parents’ pain and keeping my family in mind, I have voluntarily returned to Hinduism. I want to live under the care and protection of my family. Please forgive me,” Ayush said.
His father, Devaraj Malik, confirmed that his son had formally returned to Sanatan Dharma and stated that the decision was taken of his own free will.
The case had gained attention after Devaraj Malik filed a complaint alleging that his son had been influenced into converting to Islam.
Following the complaint, physiotherapist Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi, were arrested under the state’s anti-conversion law.
According to the police investigation, Ayush allegedly converted to Islam in Delhi in 2023, adopted the name Mohammad Ali, and underwent a nikah ceremony with Chandni.
However, investigators have said they have not recovered any marriage certificate during the probe.
Police have alleged that after the conversion, Malik began following Islamic religious practices, while his father has claimed the conversion was part of a conspiracy to gain control of the family’s property.
The investigation into the case is continuing.
