Letter to DGP seeks crackdown on violence, steroid abuse in gyms

Concerned over rising incidents of violence, steroid abuse and other illegal activities in gyms across Karnataka, the member of State police complaint authority, Mohan Kumar Danappa, has written to the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP) urging strict action and enhanced monitoring of fitness centres across the State.

In his letter, Mr. Danappa referred to a recent incident reported in Hassan, where a youth allegedly slipped into a coma after being brutally assaulted by another gym-goer over a trivial issue during a workout session. A case has been registered at the Badavane Police Station, and the incident had gone viral on social media.

Mr. Danappa stated that while many youngsters pursue fitness through healthy lifestyles and natural supplements, some individuals are increasingly resorting to steroids, pre-workout stimulants, narcotic substances and intoxicants to build muscle mass rapidly. He warned that such substance abuse is leading to aggressive and inhuman behaviour among some gym members.

The letter also raised concerns over incidents of assault, intimidation and alleged harassment of women inside gyms. It further alleged that in some fitness centres, gym owners and trainers themselves are encouraging the use of testosterone-enhancing steroids and other prohibited substances.

Seeking preventive action, Mr. Danappa urged the police to direct all jurisdictional police stations to conduct special inspections of gyms and ensure mandatory installation of CCTV cameras and strict prohibition of steroids, narcotic and banned substances, among others.