In a shocking case from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, police have uncovered a major racket involving forced religious conversions under the guise of gym memberships. So far, six people, including a head constable, have been arrested, while two others remain at large, with a reward of ₹25,000 announced for information leading to their capture. A lookout notice has also been issued for the absconding suspects.

According to Superintendent of Police Somen Burma, the case came to light after two victims filed complaints at Kotwali Dehat. The victims alleged that young men associated with certain gyms initially befriended them and then pressured them to convert to another religion. Investigations revealed that the primary gang member, Zaheer, owns the gym “KGN-01,” with other members linked to gyms including KGN-02, KGN-03, B-Fit, and Iron Fire. Authorities have immediately sealed all five gyms to preserve evidence.

Among those arrested are Farid Ahmed, Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam, Faisal Khan, Zaheer, Shadab, and Head Constable Irshad Khan of the Bhadohi GRP, highlighting the involvement of law enforcement in the criminal network. Farid was apprehended after a brief shootout, while the head constable was taken into custody shortly afterward. The two remaining gang members, Imran and Lucky, are still being sought.

Police investigations uncovered the gang’s modus operandi: they befriended women in gyms, collected their contact details, and persuaded them to visit dargahs under the pretense of excursions, pressuring them into converting to Islam. Those who refused were allegedly blackmailed for money, with threats to leak private videos. Authorities have seized photographs of over 50 girls and extensive digital evidence from the suspects’ devices, which will be crucial in building the case.