Conversion controversy: Police step up search for absconding doctor
Conversion controversy: Police step up search for absconding doctor
Police in Uttar Pradesh have intensified efforts to arrest an absconding doctor accused in a high-profile religious conversion case linked to King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. Multiple police teams are searching across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to trace the accused, Rameezuddin Naik, who has been evading arrest by frequently changing his location.
Officials said five dedicated teams have been formed to track the doctor, and raids are being carried out at several suspected hideouts in both states. Police believe the accused is constantly on the move to avoid arrest, making the operation more challenging.
A non-bailable warrant has already been issued against Rameezuddin by the court. To speed up his arrest, the police have also increased the reward for information leading to his capture from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. Senior officers said all possible efforts are being made to arrest him at the earliest.
DCP (West) Vishwajeet Srivastava said search operations have been intensified and teams are working round the clock. “We are coordinating with multiple districts and closely monitoring possible movements of the accused,” he said.
Police search across two states
The case relates to serious allegations made by two women medical students, one studying at KGMU in Lucknow and the other at a medical college in Agra. Both women have accused Rameezuddin of sexual exploitation, forced religious conversion, and forcing them to undergo miscarriage.
According to the police, both survivors have recorded their statements before a magistrate. In their written testimonies, they stated that the doctor forcibly converted them, sexually exploited them, and subjected them to miscarriage with the active involvement of his parents.
On Monday, police arrested Rameezuddin’s parents, claiming they played a key role in the alleged crimes. The accused’s father, Salimuddin, aged 70, and his mother, Khateeja, aged 67, were arrested from a rented flat in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow.
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Police said the parents were allegedly involved in pressuring the victims and helping their son carry out the acts. Investigators also claimed that the family helped the accused hide and avoid arrest.
The arrest of the parents came after evidence emerged during the investigation indicating their involvement. Police said further questioning of the parents is ongoing to gather more details about the case and the whereabouts of the absconding doctor.
Allegations by medical students
The case first came to light on December 23, 2025, when a KGMU student submitted a written complaint at the Chowk police station in Lucknow. In her complaint, the student alleged that her senior at the university established physical relations with her under the false promise of marriage.
She further claimed that when she became pregnant, the accused forced her to terminate the pregnancy. The student also alleged that she was pressured and forced to convert her religion against her will.
Based on her complaint, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under several serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include sections related to rape, causing miscarriage, and marriage by deceit. Sections 3 and 5 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, were also added.
During the investigation, another woman medical student from Agra came forward with similar allegations against Rameezuddin. She accused him of sexual assault, forced religious conversion, and forcing her to undergo miscarriage. Police said the similarities in both cases strengthened the investigation and pointed to a pattern of abuse.
Officials said that during the course of the investigation, the role of the accused’s family members became clear. Evidence suggested that the parents were aware of the acts and allegedly helped their son in carrying them out.
Police sources said both survivors have cooperated fully with the investigation and provided detailed statements. Medical and digital evidence has also been collected to support the allegations.
Meanwhile, police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information about the accused’s location. They said anyone providing credible information leading to his arrest would be rewarded and their identity would be kept confidential.
Senior officials said the case is being treated with utmost seriousness due to its sensitive nature and the gravity of the charges involved. They assured that strict legal action would be taken against all those found guilty.
As the manhunt continues, police teams remain on high alert across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, hoping to arrest the absconding doctor soon and bring the case to its legal conclusion.
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