Karnataka: Hubballi-Dharwad Police issue guidelines to regulate gym ecosystem amid Love Jihad, Women’s Safety Concerns
Hubballi: Amid growing concerns over the conduct of Muslim gym trainers and the safety of Hindu women, Hubballi-Dharwad Police convened a key meeting with gym owners and trainers in the twin cities. The meeting, led by Police Commissioner N Shashikumar, was held at BVB College first week of April.
The meeting assumes significance as it follows love jihad allegations and concerns over a gym eco-system in the twin cities allegedly being misused within the fitness industry to push religious agendas.
Earlier, Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) had conducted preliminary meetings at police station level, with this meeting aimed at consolidating guidelines and ensuring compliance.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner N Shashikumar said the primary objective was to enhance safety, especially for women. He noted that while most gym owners operate responsibly, certain incidents have raised concern, necessitating stricter oversight.
“Some unfortunate incidents have brought a bad name to the sector. Even responsible gym owners are concerned. Hence, clear guidelines are being enforced,” he said.
Police issued directives focusing on surveillance, accountability, and professional conduct. Installation of high-quality CCTV cameras with proper coverage and storage was made mandatory across gyms to ensure transparency and deter misconduct.
Gym owners were also instructed to verify the qualifications and background of trainers. “It is essential that trainers are certified and maintain professional behaviour with clients,” the Commissioner added.
For women’s safety, gyms must provide separate changing rooms for female members and maintain detailed member records for traceability in case of complaints.
ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿ ಧಾರವಾಡ ನಗರ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುವ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಜಿಮ್ ಗಳ ಮಾಲೀಕರ ಸಭೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಠಾಣೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ.
— HUBBALLI DHARWAD CITY POLICE (@compolhdc) April 4, 2026
ಜಿಮ್ ತರಬೇತಿಗೆ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಬಂದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕವಾಗಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ತರಬೇತಿದಾರರನ್ನೇ ಕಡ್ಡಾಯವಾಗಿ ನೇಮಿಸುವುದು, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅಂಗಡಿಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ನಿಯಮಗಳು 1963 ರಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಜಿಮ್… pic.twitter.com/AWAtDf8NDm
Police also stated that beat officers would conduct periodic inspections to monitor compliance. Citizens, especially women and students, were encouraged to report any misconduct to the nearest police station.
Gym owners’ association representatives welcomed the move. Treasurer Krishna Chikkatumbal assured compliance but flagged concerns about certain high-end gyms allegedly operating without proper verification norms.
“Some gyms bring trainers from other states without verification. Police must closely monitor such establishments and act against violations,” he said.
Congress corporators’ allegation
Amid fresh controversy surrounding gym trainers and alleged links to the Neha Hiremath case, her father Niranjan Hiremath made serious allegations, claiming a deeper conspiracy behind his daughter Neha Hiremath’s murder on April 18, 2024.
In an emotional statement, Niranjan said, “From the beginning, I have maintained that my daughter’s murder was not an isolated incident. There are larger elements at play, and recent developments are reinforcing my suspicion. The person who killed my daughter, Fayaz, was also linked to the same gym ecosystem. There are connections that must be thoroughly investigated.”
He further alleged attempts to influence him before and after the incident. “I was repeatedly approached by individuals linked to gym trainer Sameer Mulla. His father visited me multiple times, insisting that I allow a bodybuilding competition in my ward,” he claimed.
Explaining his refusal, he said, “My ward has temples and religious institutions, and such events were not appropriate. The repeated pressure raised suspicion. In hindsight, it appears there may have been an attempt to create a narrative against us.”
Niranjan also referred to emerging allegations involving gym trainers and exploitation of young Hindu women. “What is coming out about trainers deceiving girls in the name of love is serious. There appears to be a pattern. Authorities must investigate every angle,” he said.
Reiterating his demand, he added, “I have consistently sought a comprehensive probe. My daughter lost her life, and we deserve the truth. The investigation must go beyond surface-level findings and uncover every link, if any, behind this tragedy.”