Gym owner faces closure after confronting Hindutva activists in Uttarakhand
Dehradun: A 42-year-old gym operator is facing the possible closure of his gym after suffering severe financial losses for publicly opposing the harassment of a Muslim shopkeeper by Hindutva activists in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Hulk Gym owner, Deepak Kumar, popularly known as ‘Mohammad Deepak’, has been unable to pay four months’ rent amounting to nearly Rs 1.6 lakh, with the monthly rent fixed at Rs 40,000.
His troubles began on January 26 when he confronted activists of the Hindutva outfit Bajrang Dal, who were pressuring 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper Vakil Ahmed to change the name of his clothing store, ‘Baba’, located on Patel Marg. In a show of solidarity, Deepak introduced himself as ‘Mohammad Deepak’ when asked his name.
The situation escalated on January 31 when a larger crowd gathered outside Ahmed’s shop and Deepak’s gym, blocking the road and raising slogans.
Deepak said his gym currently has only 60–65 members, which is insufficient to meet operational expenses. He expressed concern that membership may decline further due to continued pressure from Hindutva groups. He said activists affiliated with the BJP and Bajrang Dal have been actively discouraging people from joining his gym.
“These BJP and Bajrang Dal activists visit the homes of gym members whose parents are affiliated with the BJP and pressure them to stop coming,” he said, calling it a targeted campaign that has severely affected his business.
Deepak said his landlord has issued an ultimatum, forcing him to consider selling his gym equipment and relocating from the city in search of alternative employment.
