In the quiet town of Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, a gym owner named Deepak Kumar is facing an unexpected crisis after standing up against the harassment of a Muslim shopkeeper. The incident, which took place on January 26, 2026, has led to a dramatic decline in membership at his gym, Hulk Gym, turning a once-thriving business into a struggling venture.

Deepak, 38, intervened when a group of men, allegedly members of the Bajrang Dal, were pressuring Vakeel Ahmed, a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper suffering from Parkinson's disease, to remove the word "Baba" from his shop's name. During the confrontation, when asked his name, Deepak responded, "Mohammad Deepak," in a gesture of solidarity. This act of defiance was captured in a video that quickly went viral, bringing both praise and unwanted attention.

The aftermath of the incident has been challenging for Deepak. On January 31, members of the Bajrang Dal gathered near his gym to confront him, but were stopped by the police. However, the message had already spread, and the town seemed divided, with some quietly supporting Deepak and others distancing themselves.

The most immediate impact has been on Deepak's gym. Once boasting around 150 members, Hulk Gym now sees only about 15 people daily. "People are scared, and I understand it. Fear changes behaviour," Deepak said. This drastic reduction in membership has placed a significant strain on his finances. The gym operates on a rented floor with a monthly rent of Rs 40,000, and Deepak is also paying off a home loan of Rs 16,000 per month.

Despite the challenges, Deepak remains resolute. He has received support from some members who have assured him that they will continue to stay with the gym. Member of Parliament John Brittas visited Deepak and Vakeel Ahmed, and also took a membership in a show of support. Deepak, however, refused a monetary reward of Rs 2 Lakh from the Jharkhand government, requesting that the money be given to someone in need.

Deepak's act of standing up for what he believed in has come at a personal and financial cost. His story highlights the challenges faced by individuals who dare to challenge communal divides and the importance of standing in solidarity with those who are marginalized.