Deepak Kumar, popularly known as “Mohammad Deepak,” has said he may be forced to shut his gym and leave Kotdwar due to mounting financial difficulties that began after he publicly supported a Muslim shopkeeper facing harassment earlier this year.
The 42-year-old gym owner said he has been struggling financially ever since he stood up against a group allegedly targeting a Muslim businessman in the town.
“My landlord has given an ultimatum since I could not pay the rent for the last four months. I now think of selling the equipment and moving out of the city to take up a job,” Deepak told PTI.
He added that he was unsure whether “external entities pressured the landlord” to push for his eviction.
Incident Began After Support for Muslim Shopkeeper
The controversy dates back to January 26, when Deepak confronted alleged members of the Bajrang Dal who were demanding that a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper, Vakil Ahmed, change the name of his clothing shop, “Baba,” located on Patel Marg in Kotdwar.
When asked his name during the confrontation, Deepak identified himself as “Mohammad Deepak” as a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim shopkeeper.
Days later, on January 31, a larger crowd reportedly gathered outside Ahmed’s clothing store and Deepak’s gym, blocked the road and raised slogans. Police later registered three separate FIRs linked to the incident.
‘Business Has Become Unstable’
Deepak said his gym, called Hulk Gym, currently has around 60 to 65 members, but the number is not enough to cover expenses.
“The monthly rent for the premises stands at Rs 40,000,” he said, adding that business has not recovered amid the controversy and the summer season.
He also claimed that some of his clients were allegedly being discouraged from attending the gym.
“These activists visit the homes of gym members whose parents affiliate with the BJP to discourage them from coming to the gym,” Deepak alleged.
“This targeted campaign has severely destabilised my business,” he added.
Police Say No Complaint Filed
Kotdwar Station House Officer Pradeep Negi said police have not received any formal complaint regarding the allegations so far.
Deepak’s case had drawn public attention earlier this year, with many people praising his support for communal harmony after he stood beside the Muslim shopkeeper during the dispute.
