A local gym owner in Kotdwar has seen his business suffer a sharp decline after he intervened to defend a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from alleged harassment, identifying himself as "Mohammad Deepak" during the confrontation. Deepak Kumar, who runs Hulk Gym on Badrinath Road, previously attracted around 150 members daily but now reports only about 15 visitors, severely impacting his livelihood as the sole breadwinner for his family.

The incident occurred on January 26, 2026, Republic Day, when a group, including members associated with Bajrang Dal, reportedly pressured elderly shopkeeper Vakeel Ahmed—who has Parkinson's disease—to remove the word "Baba" from his clothing store's name, claiming it was linked to a local temple. Deepak Kumar stepped in to question the demand, escalating tensions. When asked for his identity, he declared, "My name is Mohammad Deepak," in a gesture of solidarity. A video of the exchange went viral, drawing national attention and praise for his stand against intimidation, while also sparking backlash, including alleged threats and boycott calls.

Following the viral video, Deepak faced confrontations near his gym and home, requiring police intervention. He has since received online support, including visits from public figures, but locally, many gym members quietly stopped attending amid the controversy. Deepak, a fitness professional with nearly 30 years of experience, runs the rented facility and struggles with high monthly costs, including rent and loans for a recently built house. He has described the situation as one where "honesty might come at a price," noting that while half the town quietly supports him, fear has deterred people from openly associating with him.

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The fallout highlights broader societal tensions in the region, where acts of inter-community solidarity can lead to economic repercussions. Deepak has emphasized his identity as a human being first, stating he is neither defined by nor bound to any single religion. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his principles, and some supporters have suggested innovative ways to help, such as online fitness memberships or digital content to offset local losses.

Authorities have acted on related threats, including the arrest of an individual who offered a Rs 2 lakh bounty for harming Deepak. The episode underscores the personal costs of standing up in polarized situations, even as it has elevated Deepak Kumar—now widely known as "Mohammad Deepak"—as a symbol of courage and humanity for many across the country.

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