New Delhi: The alleged mastermind behind the sexual exploitation of women and their religious conversion, in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, was arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport while attempting to flee the country on Saturday, the police said.
Identified as Imran, he is a resident of Mirzapur, and owns a chain of gyms called KGM Gym One across the district. The police said he operated the racket through these gyms, which were managed by his relatives, as reported by News18.
According to the police, Imran was attempting to fly to Dubai with his family from Terminal 3 of Delhi’s IGI Airport when the immigration department intercepted him. He was then handed over to Delhi Police.
Imran was the chief architect of the gang and authorities had received prior intelligence about his escape attempt, Mirzapur SSP/DIG Somen Barma told reporters.
The SSP said that a lookout notice had been issued for him at all airports and seaports across the country. Officers of the UP Police traveled to Delhi and secured a transit remand to take him back to Mirzapur. A cash reward of Rs 25,000 had been announced for his arrest, Barma added.
There are 65 cases registered against Imran, most of them linked to fraud. Six people have been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation and religious conversion racket that was allegedly operated under the guise of a gym, till now. Imran became the seventh accused to be taken into custody.
A Government Railway Police (GRP) constable is among those arrested in the matter. He was posted in Bhadohi district, and has been suspended.
The case first came to light when two women filed a complaint at the Kotwali Dehat police station in Mirzapur on January 20.
The police made shocking discoveries about how women were sexually exploited and then forced to convert, during the initial investigation. The police formed four teams to probe the matter further. Four gyms have been sealed by the police so far. Barma said there are 47 gyms operating in the district.
All the gyms are being investigated to check their ownership, the identity of trainers, and whether female trainers are employed, as there are several women customers, the police said.
