MIRZAPUR — Police in Mirzapur district have arrested a serving Government Railway Police (GRP) head constable in a case that investigators have publicly described as an alleged “Gym Jihad” matter, a label that has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim groups, lawyers and civil rights observers.
On January 22, Mirzapur police arrested Head Constable Irshad Khan, posted with the Bhadohi GRP, in connection with a case registered at Kotwali Dehat police station. He is the sixth person to be arrested in the case.
Earlier the same day, police arrested Farid Khan, described by investigators as the main accused, following an encounter in the Kharanjafal area. Senior Superintendent of Police Somen Burma said the arrests followed complaints filed by two women.
“Two cases were registered immediately after the complaints were received,” the SSP said. “Four teams, including the Special Operations Group, were constituted to examine all aspects of the matter.”
Police allege that Farid Khan ran a network linked to multiple gyms and that women attending these gyms were targeted and persuaded to convert to Islam. Officials said five gyms were sealed as part of the investigation to secure evidence.
The sealed facilities include KGN-01 Gym, owned by Zaheer, who police claim was also linked to KGN-02, KGN-03 and Iron Fire Gym. Investigators said the complainants were members at these gyms.
Those arrested so far are Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam (31), Faisal Khan (34), Zaheer (32), Shadab (36), Farid Ahmed (28) and Head Constable Irshad Khan.
Muslim leaders and legal observers have objected strongly to the way the case is being falsely framed publicly, stressing that the allegations remain unproven and that none of the accused has yet had the opportunity to present their defence before a court.
“The phrase ‘Gym Jihad’ has no basis in law and is being used to criminalise ordinary Muslim professionals,” said advocate Aslam Parvez, who has been following the case. “Such terminology damages reputations and fuels fear even before evidence is tested through due process.”
Families of the accused also expressed concern. A relative of one gym owner said, “Our son runs a gym like thousands of others across the country. No court has found him guilty. Sealing gyms and attaching such labels destroys livelihoods.”
Several Muslim organisations said they would extend legal assistance to the accused and closely monitor the investigation. “Indian Muslims believe in the Constitution and the rule of law,” said a local cleric. “If anyone has violated the law, the courts will decide. But branding an entire community through communal labels is unjust.”
Police said the investigation is ongoing and that further questioning may follow. The case has reignited a broader debate over the use of charged terminology in criminal investigations and the need to safeguard the rights of the accused, particularly when communal narratives are attached to allegations.
