3 min learnFeb 9, 2026 01:31 PM IST
Days after he was confronted by members of the Bajrang Dal for standing up for a 70-year-old Muslim man, Deepak Kumar has misplaced a lot of his gymnasium members.
At Hulk Fitness center in Kotdwar, which is run from a rented constructing and once attracted 150 members, has seen the day by day footfall drop to 15 folks, he advised The Indian Categorical.
On January 26, Deepak (38) stood up to a bunch of males who had been harassing a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper, who suffers from Parkinson’s illness, to drop the phrase “Baba” from his store’s title. Through the confrontation, when requested his title, he advised the gang it was Mohammad Deepak. A video of the confrontation went viral, thrusting Deepak into the limelight but additionally bringing undesirable consideration. On January 31, a number of members of the Bajrang Dal gathered to confront Deepak, however had been restrained by the police.
Every week later, the city has been cleaved into two: those that prolonged solidarity and people who really feel antagonised by his act. “Half of the city helps me, however folks don’t applaud whenever you do good deeds. Honesty would possibly come at a worth,” he stated.
His gymnasium has taken the hit. “Individuals are scared, and I perceive it. Nevertheless, the gymnasium is run on a complete ground with a hire of Rs 40,000 a month. Our household has just one revenue. I lately constructed the home and am nonetheless paying off the month-to-month mortgage of Rs 16,000,” Kumar stated.
The remaining members, he stated, assured him that they’re staying put. “There’s a excessive attrition charge; for those who lose a member, it’s laborious to regain them,” he stated.
On Sunday, Member of Parliament John Brittas, chief of CPI(M)’s Parliamentary Social gathering within the Rajya Sabha, visited the proprietor of Baba Costume, Vakeel Ahmed, and Kumar. In a tweet, the CPI(M) stated that he visited the gymnasium and took a membership because it now stood abandoned “due to threats from communal parts”.
(*15*)
Story continues beneath this advert
“Brittas additionally registered his sturdy protest on the Kotdwar police station, which has filed a case towards Deepak whereas shielding the rioters. He congratulated ‘Muhammad’ Deepak for fearlessly taking a stand towards the fascistic thugs and added that it’s folks like him who’re the true hope and energy of the nation,” it posted.
“I nonetheless don’t assume that I’ve accomplished one thing improper. Folks from outdoors are supporting me, however these on the town have but to come round. Issues are transferring slowly, however it would get higher,” he stated.
Police have in the meantime supplied safety to Kumar and deployed further drive within the city.
Keep up to date with the most recent – Click on right here to comply with us on Instagram
© The Indian Categorical Pvt Ltd
Source link
#Mohammad #Deepaks #gymnasium #members
