The Uttar Pradesh Police have invoked the stringent Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act against 10 people in the controversial Mirzapur “gym jihad” case. As a result, the investigation has entered a far more serious phase. The case has already triggered sharp political and social debate across the state.
Among those arrested is alleged mastermind Imran Khan, whom investigators identify as the central figure in a network operating through multiple gyms in Mirzapur. Police arrested all 10 accused between January and February this year. They remain in jail. Meanwhile, investigators have already filed chargesheets against them.
Police officials say the probe exposed a structured racket that systematically targeted women while operating behind the façade of fitness training centres. Furthermore, investigators suspect that more than 50 women may have fallen into the network.
How the Network Worked
According to Mirzapur ASP (City) Nitesh Singh, police registered the original FIR at Dehat Kotwali police station on January 19 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, and the Information Technology Act.
During the investigation, police uncovered what they describe as a deliberate pattern of targeting Hindu women through gyms linked to the accused. Initially, women were approached in the name of fitness training. Later, they were drawn into a cycle of emotional manipulation, coercion, and intimidation.
Investigators found that members of the group developed physical relationships with several women. They secretly recorded objectionable photographs and videos. Subsequently, they used those materials to blackmail the victims. Police also found evidence of extortion and sustained pressure on women to convert to Islam.
Officials involved in the probe believe financial and material gain played a key role in the operation. In addition, investigators suspect the network functioned in an organised and coordinated manner for a prolonged period.
Gangsters Act Expands the Crackdown
The addition of charges under the Gangsters Act significantly expands the scope of the case. Under the law, authorities can begin proceedings for attachment and confiscation of properties acquired through criminal activities.
ASP Singh said investigators would identify assets linked to the accused and begin legal proceedings for seizure under the Act. Moreover, officials confirmed that senior district authorities approved the move after investigators found sufficient grounds for action under Section 3(1) of the UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.
Police have already sealed the gyms linked to the accused following complaints filed by some of the women connected to the case.
A Politically Sensitive Investigation
The Mirzapur case has rapidly moved beyond the boundaries of a routine criminal investigation. Instead, allegations involving religious conversion, exploitation, and organised intimidation have turned it into a politically sensitive issue across Uttar Pradesh.
Police say the investigation remains active, and more links connected to the network could emerge in the coming weeks. With the Gangsters Act now in force and property seizure proceedings expected to follow, the Mirzapur case has become one of the strongest crackdowns yet on an organised exploitation racket operating under the cover of ordinary fitness centres.
