Davanagere Gym Trainer Accused of Sexual Harassment and Blackmailing Over 15 Women A fitness trainer in Davanagere, Ismail, has been accused of sexually harassing and blackmailing more than 15 women at his gym, Power Fitness. The allegations emerged after a survivor came forward with detailed accounts of the abuse, sparking public outrage and prompting police action. The case highlights the prevalence of such crimes in gyms and the challenges survivors face in coming forward. The survivor, who initially identified the trainer as "Akanksha," revealed that Ismail operated under the guise of a Hindu gym, luring women with promises of fitness guidance. However, he secretly installed hidden cameras in the dressing room to record private moments, using the footage for blackmail. The survivor described how Ismail demanded money, threatened to leak videos online, and even harassed the victim’s husband. “He said, ‘If you don’t pay, I’ll post the video on social media,’ and he called my husband multiple times to intimidate us,” the survivor stated. Ismail allegedly targeted Hindu women, using fake names like Akash, Kiran, and Akanksha to build trust. Over four months, he exploited his position to coerce women into financial transactions, reportedly siphoning lakhs of rupees. The survivor noted that many victims feared reporting the abuse due to social stigma and the threat of public exposure. “No woman dared to come forward after he threatened to share the videos,” she said. The case gained traction after the survivor held a press conference, exposing the extent of Ismail’s crimes. Police confirmed that over 15 women had been victims, with some cases involving long-term harassment. Ismail’s mother initially defended him, accusing the survivor of fabricating claims, but the police investigation uncovered evidence of his misconduct.#police #survivor #davanagere #ismail #power_fitness
