Gym Owner Boycotted After Viral ‘Mohammad Deepak’ Remark
Kotdwar businessman faces financial strain as membership crashes after defending elderly shopkeeper
- Kotdwar gym owner faces boycott after viral confrontation
- Membership falls from 150 to just 15 within days
- Incident began while defending a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper
- Political reactions intensify over the controversy
GG News Bureau
Kotdwar, 10th Feb: A gym owner in Uttarakhand’s Kotdwar is facing a severe economic boycott after a viral incident in which he defended a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper during a confrontation with alleged members of a right-wing group.
Deepak Kumar, who runs Hulk Gym on Badrinath Road, had around 150 members before the controversy. According to him, the number has now dropped to just 15, placing his family under financial strain. He pays ₹40,000 in monthly rent for the gym and another ₹16,000 as a home loan instalment. At present, the family is relying on his elderly mother’s tea stall for daily expenses.
The incident dates back to January 26, when a group allegedly targeted the shop of Vakil Ahmed, called “Baba School Dress”. The group objected to the use of the word “Baba” in the shop’s name, claiming it could be confused with the nearby Siddhbali Baba temple. Local residents, however, pointed out that several other shops in the area also use the word “Baba” without facing objections.
Deepak intervened when the elderly shopkeeper was confronted. According to reports, the mob demanded his name during the altercation. He responded by saying, “My name is Mohammad Deepak,” a remark that quickly spread on social media.
While many users praised him online, the episode also triggered backlash. Deepak claims that families are now hesitant to send their children to his gym, leading to a sharp fall in membership.
The issue has also drawn political reactions. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas recently visited Kotdwar, walked with Deepak, and symbolically signed up for a gym membership in support. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also praised Deepak, calling him a “hero of India.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, however, criticised the opposition, accusing them of appeasement. He said the opposition supported people who placed “Mohammad” before their “sacred Hindu names.”
The controversy continues to spark debate locally and online, with the gym owner’s financial future now uncertain amid the ongoing boycott.
