Religious conversion row: Police intensify efforts to arrest absconding doctor

Police in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have stepped up efforts to arrest Dr. Rameezuddin Naik, who is accused in a high-profile religious conversion and sexual assault case. Multiple teams are working across the two states to trace him, as he has been evading arrest by frequently changing locations. Officials said the search has become more intensive, with raids being conducted at several suspected hideouts.

A total of five police teams have been formed specifically to locate Dr. Naik. Authorities have said that a non-bailable warrant is already in place against him. The reward for information leading to his arrest has been doubled from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 to encourage people to come forward.

DCP (West) Vishwajeet Srivastava confirmed that the search operations have been intensified and that police are working to apprehend the doctor as soon as possible.

Accusations against the doctor and his family

The case came into the spotlight when a student at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, filed a complaint on December 23, 2025. She alleged that Dr. Naik, a senior student, had coerced her into a sexual relationship under the pretense of marriage. Later, she claimed, he forced her to terminate her pregnancy and convert her religion.

During the investigation, another woman medical student from Agra made similar allegations against Dr. Naik. She accused him of sexual assault, forced religious conversion, and miscarriage. Police said that the investigation revealed the involvement of Dr. Naik’s parents in these incidents.

As a result, police arrested his parents, Salimuddin, 70, and Khateeja, 67, from a rented flat in Thakurganj, Lucknow. Officials stated that the parents were allegedly involved in forcing the students to convert their religion and in facilitating the miscarriage.

According to a police officer familiar with the case, both survivors provided written statements before a magistrate, claiming they were forcibly converted, sexually exploited, and made to undergo abortions with the active involvement of the accused and his parents.

An FIR has been registered against Dr. Naik under sections related to rape, miscarriage, and marriage by deceit under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Sections 3 and 5 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, have also been invoked. The FIR covers both the KGMU student and the woman from Agra.

Ongoing police efforts and raids

Police have intensified their search ahead of the possibility that the accused may move between locations to avoid capture. Teams have been dispatched to check multiple suspected hideouts across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Authorities are coordinating closely to track his movements and ensure a swift arrest.

Officials have highlighted that Dr. Naik has been actively evading arrest, making it challenging to locate him. The formation of five dedicated teams aims to cover more ground and prevent him from escaping the law.

The reward for information has been increased to incentivize citizens to come forward with any knowledge of his whereabouts. Police have stated that they are committed to arresting him at the earliest possible time and ensuring justice for the victims.

The arrests of the accused’s parents are part of a larger effort to uncover the full extent of the alleged crimes. Police are continuing to question them to gather evidence and understand the role they played in the forced conversions and miscarriages.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about Dr. Naik to report it to the nearest police station. They emphasized that the accused and his family must be held accountable for their actions and that the law will take its course.

This case has attracted significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations, which include sexual assault, coercion, forced miscarriage, and religious conversion. The police have assured the public that the investigation is being handled with utmost seriousness and that all legal procedures will be followed strictly.

Police continue to monitor potential hideouts and suspect movements, coordinating between districts in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing Dr. Naik to justice while ensuring the safety and rights of the survivors.