VARANASI: Mirzapur police have invoked the stringent Gangsters Act against 10 individuals accused of coercing women associated with various gyms linked to their network into converting to Islam. The gyms involved in the case — widely referred to as ‘Gym Jihad’ — were sealed by police on Monday.Mirzapur ASP (City) Nitesh Singh said that a case was registered at Dehat Kotwali police station on Jan 19 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, and the IT Act. Ten accused, including the alleged kingpin Imran Khan, were arrested and sent to jail between Jan and Feb. Following further investigation, a chargesheet was also filed against them.The investigation in this case revealed that Khan, along with members of his gang, allegedly targeted Hindu girls under the guise of providing gym training, luring them into his conspiracy. He and his associates allegedly established physical relationships with them, created objectionable photos and videos to blackmail them, extorted money by force, and coerced them into religious conversion. These activities amounted to serious crimes that spread fear and terror in society. Their actions were also allegedly motivated by financial, material, and other undue worldly gains.Investigators suspect that more than 50 women may have been targeted in the alleged operation.The ASP said that after finding sufficient grounds for action under Section 3(1) of the UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, the investigating officer registered a case against them. He added that during the course of the investigation, properties allegedly acquired through these criminal activities would also be identified, and confiscation proceedings under the Gangster Act would be initiated.
