‘Muhammad’ Deepak’s gym in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, faced sharp decline in the members following a controversy in which he stepped in to protect a Muslim shopkeeper from alleged harassment by Bajrang Dal activists. The incident sparked backlash and calls for a boycott, significantly impacting his business.
The incident occurred on Republic Day when activists demanded that a 30-year-old clothing shop, ‘Baba School Dress’, owned by a Muslim tailor in Kotdwar town, change its name. Deepak stepped in when tensions escalated outside the shop. A video of him responding “Mera naam Muhammad Deepak” when asked his name went viral on social media.
The backlash following the incident led to calls for a boycott of Deepak’s gym, causing membership to drop drastically,
he told the Indian Express.
“The gym which is run from a rented building and once attracted 150 members, has seen the daily footfall drop to 15 people. Half of the town supports me, but people do not applaud when you do good deeds. Honesty might come at a price,” he said.
His gym has taken the hit. “People are scared, and I understand it. However, the gym is run on an entire floor with a rent of Rs 40,000 a month. Our family has only one income. I recently built the house and am still paying off the monthly loan of Rs 16,000,” Kumar said.
He added that the remaining members had assured him of their continued support. “Membership turnover is high; once you lose a member, it’s difficult to get them back,” he said.
To support him, Kerala Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas visited the gym and took a one-year membership worth Rs 10,000. He also visited Deepak’s home, assuring legal and political support and calling Deepak a role model who stands for love and fraternity in the face of divisive politics.
Brittas highlighted that Deepak had been facing significant financial losses due to the boycott and stressed the importance of supporting individuals who challenge hateful ideologies.
“I still don’t think that I have done something wrong. People from outside are supporting me, but those in town have yet to come around. Things are moving slowly, but it will get better,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have extended protection to Kumar and deployed additional personnel in the town.
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