'Mohammad Deepak', who stood up for Muslim shopkeeper, may lose gym over rent dues
A resident of Kotdwar, 'Mohammad Deepak' said his business suffered heavily after the viral incident. Earlier, around 150 members regularly visited 'Hulk Gym', but the number dropped sharply after the controversy and the tense atmosphere that followed.
Four months after he went viral on social media as a symbol of communal harmony for protecting a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from members of a Hindutva organisation, Deepak Kumar — who came to be known as 'Mohammad Deepak' — is now staring at the possibility of losing his gym amid mounting financial troubles.
Speaking to India Today TV, Deepak said his financial condition has deteriorated to the point where running the gym has become extremely difficult. He said he has been unable to pay the gym’s rent for the past four months and has now been asked to vacate the premises.
“I had never spoken about this to anyone till today, nor did I want to. The property owner is also suffering losses, so he has the right to say this. But where will I go with all these machines?” he told India Today TV.
A resident of Kotdwar, Deepak said his business has suffered heavily after the viral incident. Earlier, around 150 members regularly visited 'Hulk Gym', but the number dropped sharply after the controversy and the tense atmosphere that followed.
Deepak, who lives with his mother, wife and daughter, said he is also burdened with a large home loan.
CONFRONTATION THAT MADE HEADLINES
On January 28 this year, Deepak emerged as a symbol of humanity and communal harmony after he protected a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from members of the Bajrang Dal during a confrontation in Kotdwar.
The controversy began over a shop owned by Mohammad Shoaib that operated under the name 'Baba'. Members of the Bajrang Dal objected to the name, arguing that 'Baba' is associated with Siddhbali Baba, a prominent Hanuman temple in the town.
The organisation claimed that the use of the name by a Muslim shopkeeper could hurt religious sentiments and demanded that Shoaib rename the shop.
In a video that later went viral on social media, Deepak confronted the protesters and questioned their rationale. When members of the crowd demanded to know his identity, he replied in Hindi: “Mera naam Mohammad Deepak hai” (My name is Mohammad Deepak). The statement was widely shared online and thrust him into the national spotlight.
The very next day, however, he faced strong opposition from the group, and tension spread not only in Kotdwar but also in nearby areas.
POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR DEEPAK
Videos related to the incident garnered lakhs of views on social media and triggered intense political reactions across the country.
In February, Deepak met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who publicly praised his courage, described his gym as a “mohabbat ki dukaan” (shop of love), and promised to take up membership at the gym.
John Brittas, CPI(M) MP, also visited Deepak’s gym, took up membership and described him as a “true beacon of hope”.
At least 15 Supreme Court advocates collectively purchased annual memberships at Deepak’s gym after his customer base reportedly dropped from 150 to around 15 members. They also assured him of pro bono legal assistance in cases and alleged harassment linked to the controversy.
Many people on social media openly supported and praised Mohammad Deepak after the incident. But now, as Deepak struggles financially, questions are being raised over whether that support was limited to social media alone.