A shocking case of alleged forced religious conversions targeting Hindu women and minors has rocked Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, with police uncovering a network operating through local gyms. The scandal surfaced after complaints from two young Hindu women who accused gym trainers of luring them into relationships, blackmailing them with explicit photos and videos, and pressuring them to convert their religion.
Case Origin and Complaints
The controversy began in mid-January 2026 when two Hindu girls, fitness enthusiasts at local gyms, filed separate complaints at Dehat Kotwali police station. They detailed how gym owners and trainers initiated friendships, trapped them in romantic traps, captured objectionable images for extortion, and coerced conversions as a condition for marriage. Mirzapur Superintendent of Police Somen Barma confirmed the complaints led to immediate action under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, alongside charges of molestation and blackmail.
Investigations revealed the accused gyms were run by relatives from Muslim community, exploiting the fitness centers as fronts for organized exploitation. Police formed special teams to probe for a larger racket, with initial raids yielding concrete evidence of systematic targeting.
Gyms Involved and Seizures
Authorities identified and sealed four gyms linked to the operation: KGN-1, KGN-2, KGN-3, and Iron Fire Gym, all operating branches under interconnected ownership. Some reports mention up to five gyms sealed amid the crackdown. These facilities catered primarily to women members, providing cover for the illicit activities.
The sealing disrupted operations suspected of extorting money and facilitating conversions across the district. Police suspect additional gyms may be involved, prompting an expanded probe into franchise-like networks.
Key Arrests and Accused Profiles
By early February 2026, Uttar Pradesh Police had arrested eight individuals, marking a significant escalation. Initial detentions on January 19-20 included gym owners Zahir, Shadab, Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam (31), Faisal (or Faizal Khan, 34), and others like Farid Ahmed (28), apprehended after an encounter where he sustained a leg injury. A GRP head constable, Irshad Khan (40), was also nabbed for alleged complicity.
The breakthrough came on February 3-4, 2026, with the arrest of Maulvi Khalilur Rehman (or Khalilul Rehman), identified as the literate mastermind orchestrating conversions through occult practices like taweez (amulets), sorcery, and psychological manipulation. One suspect, Ashfaq alias Lucky, remains at large. Another key figure, Imran Khan (38), was nabbed at Delhi airport attempting to flee to Dubai.
Maulvi Khalilur, associated with Husaini Masjid in Chilh and Pokhari area, reportedly conducted conversions via nikah ceremonies and had ties to prior cases, including a 2023 Varanasi incident.
Investigation Tactics and Network Links
Police tactics included encounters, airport surveillance, and forensic analysis of digital evidence from seized devices. SP Naxal Manish Kumar Mishra stated interrogations are ongoing to dismantle the full syndicate, with Dubai connections under scrutiny. The racket allegedly involved AI-backed blackmail and financial extortion beyond conversions.
No exact victim statistics are public yet, but complaints highlight targeting of Hindu girls and minors, raising alarms over public space misuse. Further arrests are anticipated as leads point to broader involvement.
Broader Implications
This case underscores rising concerns over sexual grooming (commonly termed love jihad) and predatory conversions of Hindu girls in Uttar Pradesh, with Mirzapur emerging as a hotspot. The Hindu community needs to vow zero tolerance to protect its vulnerable members. The community remains on edge, demanding swift justice amid the unfolding probe.
