Female Trainers Compulsory in UP Gyms, CM Yogi Adityanath Directs Statewide Investigation

Varanasi: After the revelation of conversion and blackmail racket in the gym of Mirzapur, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a tough stance and has ordered an investigation of all the gyms in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. Along with this, he gave clear instructions that it should be mandatory to have a female trainer for women in any gym or yoga center of the state. These instructions were given in the review meeting at Circuit House during the Varanasi tour.

What other steps did the Yogi government take?

Chairperson of Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission, Babita Chauhan said that now there will be not only male trainers in any gym and yoga center in the state, but it will also be mandatory for women to have a separate female trainer. Apart from this, it has also been made mandatory to install CCTV cameras everywhere. Not only this, but it will be mandatory to have female employees in women's clothing shops and it will also be necessary to appoint female dance teachers in theater arts centers. Male tailors will be prohibited from taking measurements of women and it has been made mandatory to have CCTV cameras while taking measurements. 

What was said about law and order and security?

Chief Minister Yogi also said in the meeting that the declared rules apply to all social and religious events as well as public places and such activities should not take place in any place that creates chaos or insecurity in society. He asked the police to also investigate allegations of conversion and illegal activities and be alert about them.

How effective is this order?

The Gautam Buddha Nagar administration, on the recommendation of the Women's Commission, had already made it mandatory to appoint female trainers in all gyms, swimming pools and yoga centers. According to the Sports Department, this step will not only provide employment opportunities to women but will also ensure a safe environment for them. 

Why was this decision taken?

In this racket related to a local gym in Mirzapur, the gang members first befriended the girls coming to the gym and then lured them into a love trap. Jim Trainer and his associates used to weaponize the trust of the girls and weaken them mentally and emotionally. The matter came to light when two victimized girls lodged a complaint at Dehat Kotwali police station.

How deep were the roots of this gang?

Police investigation revealed that the wares of arrested Maulvi Khalilur Rahman were also found to be linked to the already discussed gym trainer case. In this, Muslim trainers were accused of luring Hindu girls into a love trap. In the year 2023, a case was also registered against the conversion of a Hindu girl from Varanasi and getting her married to a Muslim youth. The main accused Imran Khan was arrested at Delhi airport and till now a total of seven people have been arrested in this case. 

Is this network spread in other districts also in UP?

BJP MLA Ratnakar Mishra termed it as 'love jihad' and said that illegal religious conversion will not be tolerated in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government. Investigating agencies believe that this gang is not limited to Mirzapur only and its links may be connected to other districts as well. Police are closely examining mobile data, call records and other digital evidence to uncover the entire network.