Help has poured in for Deepak Kumar, now popularly known as Mohammed Deepak, after news of a sharp decline in membership at his gym went viral following a Republic Day incident in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand. Social media was abuzz with users from across the country showing interest in becoming a member of the gym.
Mr. Deepak came into the national spotlight after he confronted a mob of right-wing members accused of harassing a 71-year-old Muslim garment seller and pressuring him to change the name of his shop.
The episode unfolded on Republic Day, when Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members objected to the name of a four decades-old garment store, Baba School Dress and Matching Centre, run by Wakeel Ahmed and insisted it be renamed identifying the owner’s religion. As the situation outside the shop grew tense, Mr. Kumar intervened. Footage of the incident later circulated widely online, with particular attention on a clip in which he introduced himself by saying, “Mera naam Muhammad Deepak (My name is Mohammad Deepak).”
Since then, Mr. Kumar is facing protests, online and offline harassment and an FIR lodged by the police. His wife and daughter have also fallen ill after witnessing the chaos around them.
