UP man returns to Hinduism 20 years after converting to Islam, wife becomes Hindu

A man from Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, who had converted to Islam after moving to West Bengal’s Malda for work nearly two decades ago, has reportedly returned to Hinduism along with his wife. The couple underwent a ceremony of religious rituals at an ancient Shiva temple in Jhansi, where priests and members of Hindu organisations were present.

The man, identified as Rajkumar, had moved to Malda around 20 years ago in search of employment and worked there as a labourer.

He said he was pressured to change his religion during his stay in Bengal and subsequently adopted Islam, taking the name Rafiq.

He later married a local Muslim woman, Afsari Khatun, and official documents, including an Aadhaar card, were issued in the name of Rafiq.

Rajkumar eventually returned to his native Rajapur village in Jhansi’s Raksa area with Afsari and their four children. According to the account, his relatives initially refused to accept him after his return. He subsequently approached the District Magistrate, seeking permission to return to Hinduism.

Following his request, a ceremony was organised at Siddheshwar Temple in Jhansi in the presence of members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Sanatan Ekta Sangh.

Temple priest Pandit Rajiv Pathak and other Brahmins conducted the rituals, including a Havan and Puja, as part of the couple’s reported return to the Hindu faith.

As part of the ceremony, Rajkumar and his wife underwent purification rituals involving Gangajal and Gaumutra.

Rajkumar was also invested with the Yajnopavit, or sacred thread, while a Raksha Sutra was tied around the couple’s wrists. The ceremony concluded with the couple performing Aarti of Lord Shiva.

After the rituals, Rajkumar resumed his original name, while Afsari adopted the name Anita. Speaking about the development, Rajkumar said he had moved to Bengal for work around 20 years ago, where he converted to Islam and married Afsari. He said he had recently returned to his village with his wife and children and had now formally returned to Hinduism.

Rajkumar also expressed a sense of well-being after the ceremony. His wife Anita said she chose to embrace Hinduism because she wanted to remain with her husband.

The couple’s return to the Hindu faith was conducted through traditional rituals at the temple, according to those involved in organising the ceremony.

Pandit Rajiv Pathak and Hindu organisation leader Vinod Awasthi said they learned about Rajkumar’s earlier conversion and his subsequent return to Jhansi with his wife and children.

After learning that the couple wanted to embrace Hinduism, they said arrangements were made for the ceremony at Siddheshwar Temple.

The episode has brought Rajkumar and his family back into focus in Rajapur, where he had sought acceptance after returning from Bengal.

With the religious ceremony now completed, the family is expected to continue its life in the village. The account of the conversion and subsequent return remains based on statements from Rajkumar, his wife and those who organised the ceremony.