Surat: City police have tightened regulations for gyms after receiving complaints that some trainers allegedly trapped women and girls in “love traps” and later blackmailed them.

Following the complaints, the Special Operations Group (SOG) held a meeting with gym operators from Vesu, Piplod, Rander, Adajan and Pal areas and issued strict guidelines, stating that gyms must remain fitness centres and not become places for harassment or immoral activities.

DCP Rajdeepsinh Nakum said background verification of trainers will now be mandatory. He said gym owners must thoroughly check the identity, past record and conduct of trainers before hiring them, warning that any negligence will invite strict action against the management as well.

Police have also directed gyms to install CCTV cameras with both video and audio recording facilities. Officials said this will help monitor interactions between trainers and female members and assist in verifying complaints, if any. The footage may also be inspected by police teams from time to time.

According to police, some recent cases involved trainers taking phone numbers of female members, sending personal messages and later pressuring them into relationships. Under the new rules, trainers are prohibited from sending personal messages to female members, and any violation could lead to legal action against both the trainer and the gym operator.

Police said surprise inspections will be conducted and feedback will be taken from senior citizens and other members. Nakum warned that strict action will be taken if any criminal activity, including molestation, blackmail or forced conversion attempts, is detected. Police are also considering creating an online database of gyms and their staff, a move that has triggered concern among gym operators in the city. DeshGujarat