Bhopal Gym Scandal Sparks 'Gym Jihad' Outcry: Hindu Leader Urges Women to Skip Workouts, Ban Muslim Trainers

The controversy unfolded on Thursday in Habibganj when gym instructor Mazhar Khan, employed at Vishal Fitness Centre, was allegedly caught with a young Hindu woman at a local hotel. Police reports reveal Khan introduced himself as "Bunty" to the woman, whom he met at the gym, before checking into the hotel under false identities. Members of Hindu outfits, alerted to the situation, stormed the premises, assaulted Khan, and handed him over to authorities.

 Visuals from Khan's arrest circulated widely, showing the chaotic scene as he was detained. Habibganj SHO Sanjeev Chouksey confirmed Khan has been remanded to jail, while the woman is receiving counseling. Further legal proceedings hinge on her statement, with potential charges under Madhya Pradesh's Freedom of Religion Act if coercion or conversion attempts are proven.

In a fiery statement on Friday, Tiwari, president of Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch, labeled the episode as "gym jihad," accusing Muslim trainers of targeting Hindu women for immoral activities. "If any Muslim trainer is hired and an incident occurs, gym owners and the administration will face consequences," Tiwari warned. He drew parallels to ID verifications at Garba events, demanding similar directives for gyms. Tiwari appealed to families: "Hindu sisters and daughters should steer clear of gyms; opt for traditional home exercises instead."

State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang echoed these sentiments, vowing zero tolerance for "Love Jihad." "Our Freedom of Religion Act ensures strict action against luring or forced conversions through relationships," Sarang stated.

This Bhopal gym incident has amplified calls for communal safeguards in fitness spaces, with social media buzzing over hashtags like #GymJihad and #LoveJihad. Critics argue such rhetoric fuels division, while supporters see it as protecting cultural integrity. As investigations continue, the event underscores ongoing religious sensitivities in Madhya Pradesh.