Multiple cases have surfaced in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, involving an alleged illegal religious conversion and blackmail racket operating under the cover of gyms. Police have arrested five people so far and sealed at least five fitness centres, including KGN Gym and B-Fit Gym, believed to be used for the operation.
In one case, four men—Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam, Faizal Khan, Zaheer, and Saadab—were arrested after two women lodged complaints alleging they were lured, sexually exploited, blackmailed, and pressured to convert under the guise of gym training. One complainant alleged that Sheikh Ali befriended her during workouts, molested her, secretly recorded objectionable photos and videos, and used them for extortion, including taking loans in her name. She further claimed she was pressured to adopt religious practices against her will.
Following the complaint, the accused were produced in court and sent to jail. Police are continuing the search for other suspects linked to the network.
In a separate operation, police arrested gym owner Farid in the Barkachha area, who allegedly targeted women using his gym and firearms training sessions. During the arrest, Farid allegedly fired at the police but was overpowered and taken into custody.
Mirzapur BJP MLA Ratnakar Mishra praised the police action, emphasizing that illegal religious conversion will not be tolerated under the Yogi Adityanath government. Investigations are ongoing to identify other victims and connections between the gym-based rackets operating in the district. Further arrests are expected as the probe expands.
