Recently, a serious conspiracy of ‘Gym Jihad’ has come to light in Surendranagar district of Gujarat. The case involves a shocking network of conversion, exploitation and blackmail. Police have arrested Club 71 gym owner Amin Yasin Multani after recovering more than 1,300 photographs and videos involving around 100 women during a raid at the gym.
The investigation began after Surendranagar District Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu received a letter requesting that the police investigate the matter. The letter appealed to the police, saying, “Treat us like your daughters and investigate.” Police acted quickly and launched an operation at Club 71.
Police entered the gym posing as customers
Within about 15 hours of receiving the complaint, a team led by Surendranagar ASP Vedika Bihani entered the gym in civilian clothes, posing as customers. The operation led to Multani’s arrest.
According to police, the investigation uncovered more than 1,300 objectionable photographs and videos involving around 100 women. Following the investigation, it has been revealed that he had physical relations with about 9 married women out of 50 married women.
Out of these, 7 married women are between 30 and 40 years of age, and 2 married women are between 45 and 50 years of age. According to Divya Bhaskar’s report, Multani got the phone numbers of married women through gym receptionists. He would then use video calls to pressure them into removing their clothes, record them, and later use the material to blackmail them. He was running this racket for the last 4 years.
Multani has a Bachelor’s degree in IT and law, and investigators have revealed that he used his knowledge of technology and legal procedures while carrying out the blackmail. Police also found that he used mobile phones and SIM cards belonging to other people to avoid being traced.
Former receptionist files complaint
Following the police action, a former female receptionist at the gym also came forward and filed a complaint against Multani. She said that she had faced mental harassment, pressure to enter into a relationship, and threats against her family.
Police have subsequently taken action against the Club 71 gyms and have sealed all the branches of Club 71 Gym. CCTV footage from the premises has also been taken for examination.
Police also investigate suspected money-lending network
The case is not limited to the exploitation of women and Jihad. Police also found evidence of several financial irregularities during the raid on the gym. Officials recovered 17 cheques, notarial agreements, Aadhaar cards and registers containing names and account details.
The investigation found that Multani had earlier held a licence under the Moneylenders Act, but it expired in 2025. Despite this, he was running an illegal money-lending network in 2026, giving loans to 17 people at interest.
Financial irregularities were also found in the running of the gyms. The rent for ‘Club 71 Gym’ on 80 Feet Road had not been paid for the past three months. At ₹70,000 per month, the outstanding rent was more than ₹2 lakh. Similarly, rent for the second gym on TB Road had not been paid for the past nine to 10 months, with monthly rent of ₹45,000. Government taxes were also reportedly pending.
The Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) had disconnected the electricity connections at both gyms after electricity bills of around ₹3 lakh remained unpaid. Police have now sealed both gyms.
Considering the seriousness of the case, the court has granted the police 3 days’ remand of accused Multani. Police will question all 17 people whose names appeared in the registers recovered from the gym. If any of them comes forward and files a complaint, additional cases could be registered.
Meanwhile, Surendranagar District SP Premsukh Delu has appealed to women who may have faced similar abuse to approach the police without fear. He assured them that their identities would be kept completely confidential.
VHP demands strict action
After the incident came to light, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) submitted a complaint to the District Collector. The organisation demanded a fair and detailed investigation into the entire matter and strict action against those accused. The VHP also called for an investigation into other people working as trainers or administrators at gyms across the district who may have suspicious links, along with their associates. It said such action was necessary to prevent women from becoming victims of digital blackmail and exploitation.
