Ayush Malik’s father expressed relief as his son returned to Hinduism after months of turmoil following the arrest of Ayush’s wife and her father in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, for alleged forced religious conversion. Ayush’s father, Devaraj Malik, thanked the media for their support and stated that Ayush had voluntarily re-embraced Hinduism, citing his parents’ pain and his desire to be with his family as reasons for his decision. A video circulating on social media captured Ayush performing Hindu rituals and expressing his wish to live under his family’s care and protection.
Ayush, who had previously converted to Islam, publicly announced his return to Hinduism in the video, acknowledging the impact of his parents’ suffering on his choice. His father, Devaraj Malik, confirmed Ayush’s formal return to Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing that the decision was made willingly. The family maintained that Ayush’s reversion was not coerced but a personal choice driven by familial considerations and his own beliefs.
The turn of events followed the arrest of physiotherapist Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi, based on a complaint lodged by Devaraj Malik under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. Ayush, a Bachelor of Pharmacy graduate, reportedly met Chandni in 2018 during medical treatment in Shamli, leading to a relationship where Chandni and her family allegedly influenced Ayush’s conversion to Islam.
