“Adopt Islam or your videos go viral”: six gym operators arrested in Mirzapur

Police have arrested six men , including a Government Railway Police head constable , for their alleged involvement in a blackmail and coercion racket that operated through a network of gyms in the district. The accused allegedly used digitally morphed images and videos created using artificial intelligence to extort money and pressure women into religious practices.

The case came to light after two women lodged complaints with the police and the women’s helpline , alleging harassment and blackmail. During the investigation, police recovered password-protected digital folders containing photographs and videos of more than 50 women , which officials said exposed the scale of the operation.

Among those arrested is Irshad Khan , a GRP head constable , whom police allege played a key logistical role and provided protection and coordination to the network. The other five arrested accused have been identified as gym owners and trainers , namely Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam , Faizal Khan , Zaheer , Shadab , and Farid Ahmed . Farid Ahmed was arrested after being injured during a police operation . Two other suspects, Imran and Lucky, remain absconding , and lookout notices and rewards have been announced for information leading to their arrest.

Investigators said the accused targeted around 30 affluent Hindu women aged between 25 and 45 since 2021 . The group allegedly befriended women at gyms or through social media , gradually gaining their trust before secretly taking photographs during gym sessions, outings, or visits to public places. These images were later morphed into explicit videos using AI tools.

Victims told police they were shown the fabricated videos and threatened that the material would be “made viral” or sent to their family members and relatives if they did not comply. Some women said they were warned that refusal would “ruin their reputation” and “destroy their family life.” Several victims also alleged they were pressured to pay money or follow religious practices , including wearing burqas or offering namaz , under repeated threats of exposure.

Police have sealed five gyms linked to the accused and seized vehicles and equipment believed to have been purchased using extortion money. Authorities estimate the racket may have generated between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7 crore .

Senior police officials have appealed to other potential victims, especially those who may have remained silent due to fear or social stigma to come forward and record their statements. The investigation is ongoing , with further arrests and financial scrutiny expected as digital evidence continues to be analysed.