2 min readLucknowUpdated: Jan 21, 2026 06:08 PM IST
Police said the women, in their complaints, alleged that Zahir and Shadab had been molesting and harassing them sexually on the pretext of physical training. (File photo)
Mirzapur Police arrested four gym owners on religious conversion chargeson Tuesday night, after two women lodged a complaint alleging that two of the men were forcing them to convert and were blackmailing them with objectionable photos.
Four gyms were also sealed for violations.
The accused, Zahir, Shadab, Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam and Faisal, are relatives, said SHO of Kotwali Dehat police station, Amit Kumar Mishra. He said they own a gym and three of its branches with the same name, along with another one under a different name elsewhere in the district. They will be produced before the court on Wednesday, said Mishra.
Mirzapur SP, Somen Barma, who was recently promoted to DIG rank, told The Indian Express that a police team was engaged to collect details and verify allegations after two women, members of two gyms, lodged police complaints alleging they were being exploited by the instructors at the gym who are also the owners.
Police said the women, in their complaints, alleged that Zahir and Shadab had been molesting and harassing them sexually on the pretext of physical training. The accused also allegedly lured them into marriage but demanded they convert first.
The women, in their complaints, also alleged that the accused blackmailed them with their objectionable pictures and threatened to make them public if they didn’t pay up.
SP Barma said there were no women staff at any of the gyms and the owners doubled up as instructors. They allegedly exploited the victims by shutting the establishment from the inside even after operating hours, he added.
Police lodged two separate cases on January 19 and 20, respectively, on charges under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, molestation, and blackmail among other criminal offences.
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Police teams have been formed to conduct a detailed investigation to ascertain if there is an organised racket targeting women members at gyms for blackmail and conversion.
Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution.
Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape.
Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More
