UP Man Who Converted To Islam As 'Mohammad Ali', Returns To Hinduism; Performs Pooja At Home

Published 30 June 2026 · india

UP Man Who Converted To Islam As 'Mohammad Ali', Returns To Hinduism; Performs Pooja At Home Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 12:24 IST

UP Man Who Converted To Islam As 'Mohammad Ali', Returns To Hinduism; Performs Pooja At Home Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 12:24 IST Shamli businessman Ayush Malik, who earlier converted to Islam as Mohammad Ali, has returned to Hinduism and performed puja at home. Ayush performing pooja. (Image: X) Ayush Malik, the Shamli-based businessman whose conversion to Islam sparked a major controversy earlier this month, has returned to Hinduism and performed prayers at his family home, marking a dramatic turn in the high-profile case. In a video released after returning home, Ayush said he had decided to embrace Sanatan Dharma of his “own free will" and apologised to his parents and relatives. Performed Puja At Family Home After arriving at his residence, Ayush offered prayers at the family’s home temple, lit a ceremonial lamp, applied a tilak to an idol of Lord Hanuman and sought his mother’s blessings by touching her feet.

His family said the decision to return to Hinduism was voluntary and made without any external pressure. Conversion Had Triggered Police Probe The case came into the spotlight earlier this month after Ayush, the son of Shamli medicine trader Devraj Malik, was identified as having converted to Islam and adopted the name Mohammad Ali. Photographs of him offering Eid prayers went viral on social media, prompting complaints from Hindu organisations and leading to a police investigation. His father alleged that Ayush had been lured into converting and marrying gym trainer Chandni Qureshi as part of a conspiracy to gain control of the family’s property. Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and other provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Chandni Qureshi and her father were subsequently arrested, while an SIT was constituted to investigate the case. Earlier Said Conversion Was Voluntary During the initial controversy, Ayush had maintained that he had converted to Islam several years ago of his own choice and denied being forced. He had also said he would not return to Hinduism and had defended his marriage to Chandni Qureshi. His latest decision marks a significant reversal of that stand. The police investigation into the alleged illegal conversion and related offences remains ongoing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.