India, June 9 -- MEERUT The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged religious conversion of a 27-year-old youth in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district took a dramatic turn on Monday as Ayush Malik, son of a prominent pharmaceutical businessman, publicly stated that he embraced Islam of his own free will and was subjected to no coercion, inducement or brainwashing.

Addressing the media, Ayush said he voluntarily converted to Islam and adopted the name Rahman, adding that he has no intention of returning to his previous faith. He also objected to the arrest of his wife, Chandni Qureshi, and her father, Islam Qureshi, who were recently jailed following a police complaint filed by his family.

The youth said he had been practicing the faith ...