Muzaffarnagar/UP: An alleged religious conversion case in Shamli has triggered a police investigation, with a man admitting that he had converted to Islam voluntarily and said he would not return to Hinduism, reports PTI.
However, authorities on Tuesday tightened security and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Speaking to reporters in Shamli on Monday, Ayush Malik alias Mohammad Ali said, "I am a Muslim and I will not return to the Hindu religion." He claimed that he was facing social pressure and alleged that the complaint filed by his father was made under external pressure.
The development comes a day after Shamli police arrested a woman and her father in connection with allegations of illegal religious conversion, officials said, adding that the police have booked nine people, including a cleric, in the case.
The police arrested Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi, they said.
The case was registered on a complaint by medicine trader Devraj Malik, who alleged that his son Ayush was converted to Islam several years ago on the pretext of marriage with Chandni. He also alleged that Ayush was taken to Delhi, where the marriage ceremony was conducted using forged documents.
Ayush claimed that he had converted to Islam several years ago but had not disclosed it earlier due to his sisters' marriages. He said he was not forced into conversion and is currently living separately from his parents in Shamli.
Meanwhile, security arrangements were strengthened in the area following the controversy. Shamli Circle Officer (City) Jitendra Singh told PTI that additional police personnel had been deployed at sensitive locations, particularly around Hanuman Road where Ayush is residing, as a precautionary measure.
Two policemen have also been posted at Ayush's shop, officials said.
The CO said an SIT has been constituted under his supervision and investigation has started. Police teams are searching for the remaining accused, he added.
Police said the accused have been booked under relevant sections of the BNS, including provisions related to extortion, cheating, forgery and criminal intimidation, along with the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.
Shamli Superintendent of Police NP Singh had earlier said that efforts were underway to trace the remaining accused.
Meanwhile, the issue has gained attention on social media, with discussions around the case increasing after it was highlighted. Some Hindu activists, including Swami Yashveer Maharaj, have demanded strict action and announced plans to launch an agitation against alleged illegal conversion.