Davanagere: A private fitness centre in Davanagere has landed in the middle of a major controversy after serious allegations surfaced against its owner-cum-gym trainer, who is accused of sexually exploiting women members, blackmailing them and threatening them using private photographs and videos. The allegations have triggered widespread outrage, with Hindu organisations demanding immediate and stringent action against the accused.
The accused has been identified as Ismail, who runs a gym in the KTJ Nagar police station limits. According to allegations made by Hindu organisation leaders, the trainer allegedly targeted women and girls, including students, homemakers and professionals such as doctors, engineers, professors and government officials, by gaining their trust under the pretext of providing personal fitness training.
The complainants alleged that the accused concealed his identity and personal details, including that he was married and had children, before developing close relationships with women visiting the gym. They further claimed that he allegedly recorded private moments, stored photographs and videos on mobile phones and CCTV systems and later used the material to blackmail victims into paying money or meeting him against their will.
Some Hindu organisations have also alleged that hidden cameras were installed inside changing rooms and other areas of the gym to secretly capture private visuals of women members. They claimed that some of the footage and photographs have surfaced and are being examined. However, these allegations are yet to be independently verified by the police.
The organisations further alleged that one woman from a reputed family allegedly attempted suicide after being subjected to blackmail and harassment. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegation and appropriate legal action if the claim is substantiated.
Leaders of the organisations strongly condemned the alleged incidents, stating that women visit gyms with the expectation of improving their health and fitness, not to become victims of exploitation or intimidation. They urged police to take suo motu action if electronic evidence such as CCTV footage, photographs or videos is already available with investigators.
The controversy has also reignited concerns over safety standards at private fitness centres, with several social organisations calling for stricter monitoring, mandatory background verification of trainers and enhanced surveillance mechanisms to ensure the safety and privacy of women members.
Meanwhile, Hindu organisation leaders have demanded that the accused be arrested, prosecuted under stringent provisions of law and externed from the district if the allegations are established during investigation. They also sought a detailed inquiry into whether any associates were involved in the alleged offences.
The issue has taken a political turn after Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge reportedly warned Hindu activists against taking the law into their own hands or indulging in moral policing. His remarks drew criticism from some organisations, which argued that the focus should remain on ensuring justice for the alleged victims and conducting a fair investigation.
Police are yet to officially confirm the full extent of the allegations or disclose the findings of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities have urged anyone with credible information or who may have been affected to come forward and cooperate with the investigation.
The case has sparked widespread debate over women’s safety in fitness centres and the need for swift legal action whenever allegations of sexual exploitation and blackmail are reported. Investigators are expected to examine electronic devices, CCTV footage and other digital evidence as part of the probe.
