Mirzapur Conversion Racket Mastermind Apprehended at Delhi Airport While Attempting to Flee to Dubai
In a significant breakthrough, the alleged mastermind behind a disturbing gym-based religious conversion and blackmail racket operating in Mirzapur has been apprehended by authorities. Imran Khan (38) was arrested by the immigration department at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi while attempting to board a flight to Dubai, effectively thwarting his escape plan.
Police Operation and Legal Proceedings
The arrest followed a meticulously coordinated operation after a lookout notice was issued for the accused, who carried a substantial reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his capture. Acting swiftly on intelligence inputs, a specialized police team from Mirzapur traveled to the national capital on Saturday to take custody of the apprehended individual.
The accused was subsequently produced before the Patiala House Court, where authorities successfully obtained transit remand. Imran Khan is now being transported back to Mirzapur for comprehensive interrogation and further legal proceedings related to the elaborate racket.
Expanding Investigation and Network Details
With this latest arrest, the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with this case has risen to seven. Law enforcement agencies have taken decisive action by sealing five gyms allegedly connected to the criminal network. The previously arrested individuals include:
- GRP head constable Irshad Khan (40)
- Mohammad Sheikh Ali Alam (31)
- Faizal Khan (34)
- Zaheer (32)
- Shadab (36)
- Farid Ahmed (28)
According to Superintendent of Police/DIG, Mirzapur, Somen Barma, Imran Khan served as the key operator of the entire criminal enterprise. The accused had established multiple gym franchises under a common brand while maintaining a low profile in day-to-day operations.
Modus Operandi and Criminal Background
"While he remained strategically in the background, the daily operations were allegedly managed by his brothers and close associates," explained Barma. "These individuals specifically targeted young women who visited the gym facilities, exploiting their trust and vulnerability."
Investigations have revealed that Imran Khan faced three separate cases involving cheating and breach of trust chargesheeted across Varanasi, Ghazipur, and Mirzapur districts. To circumvent legal scrutiny, he reportedly established gym businesses under the names of his family members.
Ongoing Manhunt and Case Origins
Authorities continue their pursuit of one remaining absconding suspect identified as Lucky, with police announcing an identical reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his arrest. A lookout circular has been officially issued in his name to prevent any potential escape from the country.
The case initially came to light on January 20 following formal complaints lodged by two women, which prompted immediate police investigation. The initial phase of the operation resulted in the arrest of four accused on January 21, with another individual apprehended after an encounter the following day. The GRP head constable allegedly associated with the criminal gang was arrested that same evening.
Evidence Recovery and Criminal Methodology
During the investigation, police have recovered substantial digital evidence including:
- More than 30 photographs
- Compromising videos
- Extensive chat records
This evidence allegedly documents the systematic methodology employed by the accused, which involved:
- Befriending vulnerable women through gym interactions
- Creating morphed and AI-generated obscene content
- Using this material for blackmail and coercion
- Pressuring victims into religious conversion
The arrest marks a crucial development in dismantling what authorities describe as a sophisticated criminal network exploiting fitness facilities for illegal activities.
