Bareilly: A shocking case has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, where a woman doctor was allegedly drugged at a gym, sexually assaulted, and blackmailed for nearly two years using recorded footage of the crime. The matter came to light after the main accused Akram Khan allegedly demanded ₹50 lakh, threatening to sell the video. Following the complaint, Akram Khan and his brother Alam have been arrested and sent to jail, while the gym has been sealed.
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The incident is linked to a gym located in the Civil Lines area, where the victim had enrolled in May 2024. According to allegations, gym operator Akram Khan first developed familiarity with the doctor and later mixed an intoxicating substance into her pre-workout drink, rendering her unconscious.
He then allegedly sexually assaulted her inside the gym premises. Reports indicate that the entire act was recorded using CCTV cameras installed at the facility, which later became the primary tool for blackmail.
Blackmail using video evidence
After the incident, Akram Khan allegedly threatened to release the video, placing the victim under severe psychological pressure. Over time, he repeatedly assaulted her and extorted money. His brother Alam is also alleged to have been involved in the conspiracy.
According to the victim, the accused initially extracted lakhs of rupees and gradually increased the demands. After she stopped visiting the gym in January 2026, Akram Khan allegedly called her again, threatening to sell the video. The demand reportedly escalated from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
The case took a more serious turn when it emerged that Akram Khan had gathered detailed information about the victim’s assets and family. He allegedly pressured her to sell jewellery and property to arrange the demanded money.
It is further alleged that Akram Khan and Alam deployed associates to monitor the movements of the doctor and her family. These individuals reportedly tracked their daily routines and sent photographs to intimidate them.
Husband’s alertness brings case to light
Sources indicate that the victim’s husband grew suspicious about the gym environment and advised discontinuing visits. When threats intensified, the victim disclosed the entire ordeal to her family.
Following this, a formal complaint was filed, leading to swift action and the arrest of Akram Khan and Alam. During the investigation, authorities recovered two pen drives from the accused, containing objectionable videos of the victim. Additional footage involving other women was also reportedly found, raising concerns that Akram Khan and Alam may have targeted multiple victims using similar methods. The CCTV DVR from the gym has also been seized and sealed for forensic analysis to gather further evidence.
Preliminary findings suggest that both Akram Khan and Alam had previously faced allegations related to misconduct involving women. This has strengthened suspicions that the case may be part of a larger, organized pattern of criminal activity rather than an isolated incident.
Expert warning on exploitation tactics
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “In such cases, criminals combine technology with psychological coercion. Recording sensitive content and using it for blackmail has become a serious pattern, where victims often hesitate to come forward due to fear.” He emphasized that timely reporting and legal action are critical to stopping such prolonged exploitation. Experts advise individuals to remain cautious in private spaces like gyms and fitness centres. Consuming drinks or supplements from unfamiliar sources should be strictly avoided. Any suspicious behavior should not be ignored.
