A dark underbelly in India’s fitness industry has been exposed in Mirzapur, UP, prompting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to issue stern notices over claims of young women’s sexual exploitation and coerced religious shifts. Citing media reports of an organized gang and a tainted cop’s involvement affecting dozens, the NHRC deems this a critical rights infringement.
The fallout challenges core issues of female security, religious liberty, and institutional trust. Activists demand swift justice, including safe havens for survivors, ousting of corrupt elements, and mandatory overhauls in gym oversight.
Invoking statutory powers, NHRC’s Priyank Kanungo has mobilized a multi-level response. Chief secretaries across states must detail gym compliance standards, while federal sports entities outline licensing protocols.
Mirzapur’s top brass—DM and SP—have 14 days to investigate and report comprehensively. The commission’s directive promises escalated measures post-review, aiming to restore public confidence and shield vulnerable groups from predatory schemes.