Mirzapur: The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested a serving police constable for his alleged role in a religious conversion racket operating from a private gym in Mirzapur, exposing the involvement of a law enforcement personnel in an organised network that targeted young women under the guise of fitness training.
Investigators said the gym had allegedly become a hub for luring women through friendship and romantic relationships, after which pressure was mounted on them to convert religion. The arrest follows an intensive probe into complaints of coercion, blackmail and psychological manipulation linked to the gym’s operations.
According to police officials, the constable was posted with the Government Railway Police (GRP) at a railway station in the district and had been associated with the gym’s operations for several years. While the establishment was officially registered in the name of another individual, investigators claim it was effectively run under the constable’s supervision.
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Gym operations under scanner
The gym, located in Mirzapur town, was projected as a regular fitness centre but allegedly functioned as a front for unlawful activities. Police said the constable would visit the gym after completing official duty hours and maintained close control over its functioning. His family resides in Mirzapur, and he had earlier served at various local police units before being transferred to the GRP.
The gym’s day-to-day management and training activities were handled by an associate, who was shown as the owner on paper. Police said this arrangement was used to mask the involvement of the police personnel and avoid scrutiny.
Encounter leads to key arrest
The investigation gained momentum after police arrested the gym trainer, considered a key operative in the conversion network, following an encounter near a forested area on the outskirts of the district. The accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg during the operation and was taken into custody while undergoing treatment.
Police said the injured trainer played a central role in identifying potential targets, particularly women who frequented the gym. He allegedly befriended them, gradually drew them into personal relationships and later recorded private videos, which were used to blackmail them into complying with conversion demands.
Pattern of manipulation
Investigators said the accused exploited emotional vulnerability and trust developed within the gym environment. Victims were allegedly pressured psychologically and socially, with threats of exposing personal content if they refused to cooperate.
Preliminary findings suggest that the racket had been active for a considerable period, with multiple victims approached using a similar pattern. Police are examining digital devices seized from the accused to assess the scale of the operation and identify additional victims and collaborators.
Multiple cases linked
The Mirzapur case is part of a wider crackdown on illegal religious conversion networks across the state. Over the past few weeks, police have registered several cases involving gyms, training centres and vocational institutes allegedly being misused to trap and coerce individuals into conversion.
Officials said the role of the arrested constable raises serious concerns about misuse of authority and breach of public trust. Departmental proceedings are expected to be initiated alongside criminal action.
Further investigation underway
Police said they are probing possible financial links, funding sources and external connections of the network. Statements of victims are being recorded, and efforts are underway to determine whether similar methods were used at other locations linked to the accused.
Authorities have appealed to anyone who may have been targeted or coerced at the gym to come forward, assuring confidentiality and legal support.
Focus on accountability
Senior officials said strict action would be taken against all those involved, regardless of position or affiliation. “The law will take its course. Any misuse of institutional trust will be dealt with firmly,” an official statement said.
