New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Shia cleric Sayed Saif Abbas has supported the Ghaziabad administration’s decision in Uttar Pradesh to make police verification and identity cards mandatory for gym trainers, calling it a “good step” aimed at ensuring greater transparency and safety in society.

Reacting to the directive issued by Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar, Abbas said the move would help distinguish between individuals with genuine credentials and those misrepresenting themselves.

“The order issued by the Ghaziabad DM is, in my opinion, a very good step. In today’s situation, where such incidents and disturbances are happening, it is important to know and identify who the right people are and who the wrong ones are. This order will send a positive message in society,” Abbas told IANS.

Earlier on Thursday, District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar announced that all gym trainers in the district will be required to undergo police verification and display identity cards, in the wake of concerns over fraud, concealment of identity and alleged misuse of professional access.

“In recent times, several cases have come to light where gym trainers were allegedly working under false identities or using fictitious names. There have also been complaints of individuals concealing their real identity, religion or personal details and subsequently being involved in cheating, harassment and other criminal activities,” the DM said.

He added that gym owners will be directed through an order issued by the ADM City to ensure verification of all trainers, similar to tenant verification procedures.

“In addition, it will be mandatory for all trainers to wear ID cards displaying their real name and identity details,” he said.

The DM said the decision has been taken in view of repeated reports and incidents highlighted through media and other channels.

The move comes against the backdrop of a recent controversy in Shamli district involving a medicine trader’s son, Ayush Malik, who was allegedly coerced and converted to Islam by a woman gym trainer, Chandni Qureshi.

Authorities said the new guidelines aim to strengthen accountability and prevent misuse of identity in professional settings across gyms in the district.

–IANS

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